LDEA Seizes Over L$40 Million Worth of Narcotics -178 Suspects Forwarded to Court Nationwide

MONROVIA – The Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against narcotics trafficking, seizing illicit drugs worth over L$40 million and arresting 178 suspects nationwide, indeed a remarkable achievement testifying to unwavering commitment by the new administration at the agency. The operation, which spanned across all 15 counties, has sent a strong message to drug traffickers that Liberia will not tolerate their illicit activities, as The Analyst reports.

The Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has reported a major breakthrough in its nationwide crackdown on narcotics trafficking, announcing the seizure of illicit drugs valued at more than L$40 million and the arrest of 178 suspects across the country between September and October 2025.

Addressing a press briefing in Monrovia, Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitzgerald T.M. Biago, Officer-in-Charge of the LDEA, described the operation as a “decisive strike” against drug trafficking networks undermining Liberia’s security and public health.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to community members, religious leaders, traditional authorities, schools, civil society organizations, and the media for their courage and patriotism,” Biago said. “Your collective efforts strengthen our resolve to remain steadfast in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.”

The LDEA confirmed that arrests were made in all 15 political subdivisions of Liberia. Of the 178 suspects, 55 are females and 123 are males, ranging from 18 to 70 years old.

Among those arrested are 113 Liberians, 7 Guineans, 1 Nigerian, 6 Ivorians, and 3 Sierra Leoneans. The agency also impounded several vehicles, 10 motorbikes, and seized two houses pending court adjudication.

The confiscated drugs have a total estimated street value of L$40,671,401.50 (approximately US$218,790.85). Substances recovered include 395 grams of cocaine, 147.6 grams of heroin, 5,124 grams of Kush, 4,127 kilograms of marijuana, and 111,378 Tramadol pills.

Biago disclosed that the LDEA will conduct a public burning of the seized drugs on November 11, 2025, at Disco Hill, Margibi County, and extended an invitation to the media, civil society groups, and partners to witness the event.

The agency’s intelligence reports identified Bushrod Island and Paynesville City as major drug hotspots in Montserrado County, while Grand Cape Mount and Sinoe Counties recorded the highest seizures outside the capital region.

Marijuana and Kush remain the most widely abused drugs in Montserrado, while Tramadol, Marijuana, and Kush are prevalent in the leeward counties, Biago noted.

In a bid to uphold integrity within the agency, Biago revealed that the LDEA has launched a compulsory drug testing program for all officers.

Out of 406 officers tested, 10 were found positive for drug use and have been suspended indefinitely. The affected officers, assigned in Bong, Nimba, Margibi, and Montserrado Counties, have been turned over to the LDEA Professional Standards Board for disciplinary action.

“Those who fight drugs must be clean,” Biago stated firmly. “We will not tolerate unprofessional conduct from any officer or employee of the LDEA.”

To address the root causes of drug abuse, the LDEA has intensified its community engagement and preventive efforts.

According to Biago, the agency has established 14 Peer Educator Clubs in schools across Montserrado County and formed Community Anti-Drug Action Committees in 10 local communities. These initiatives aim to boost grassroots awareness and encourage collaboration between communities and law enforcement.

Since taking charge, Biago said the LDEA leadership has embarked on key administrative reforms to align the agency with other national law enforcement bodies. These include reviewing internal policies, rotating long-serving county commanders, and rebuilding public trust through stronger community partnerships.

“This is only the beginning,” Biago declared. “We are fully committed to cleansing the Agency of all elements that compromise its integrity. Together, we will make Liberia a drug-free nation.”