LDEA ARRESTS 66 DRUG SUSPECTS, SEIZES ILLICIT DRUGS VALUED AT OVER US$426,770 IN SEPTEMBER

Monrovia, Liberia — October 8, 2026: The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has intensified its nationwide fight against illicit drugs, recording the arrest of 66 suspects and the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotic and controlled substances valued at US$426,770.14 during enforcement operations conducted across Montserrado and the Leeward Counties in September 2026.

Of the total number arrested, 30 suspects were apprehended in Montserrado County, while 36 were arrested across the Leeward Counties. All suspects were subjected to investigation, charged, and forwarded to court for prosecution.

The September operations resulted in the seizure of 253.11 kilograms of marijuana, 114,854 Tramadol pills, 2,717 grams of Kush, 3,471.2 grams of cocaine, and 197.4 grams of precursor chemicals. The combined seizures were estimated at US$426,770.14 and LRD81,086,328, according to the operational report.

Montserrado County Operations

In Montserrado County, the LDEA arrested 30 suspects—26 males and four females—all Liberians, with ages ranging from 16 to 50 years.

The operations led to the seizure of 2,557.1 grams of Kush, 12,278 Tramadol pills, 27.619 kilograms of marijuana, and 3,424 grams of cocaine, with a reported combined value of approximately US$289,388.11 and LRD54,983,409.

Leeward Counties Operations

Across the Leeward Counties, the LDEA arrested 36 suspects: 35 males and one female. The suspects comprised 31 Liberians, two Nigerians, and three Sierra Leoneans, with ages ranging from 18 to 56 years.

The enforcement operations resulted in the seizure of 225.49 kilograms of marijuana, 159.9 grams of Kush, 102,576 Tramadol pills, 47.2 grams of cocaine, and 197.4 grams of precursor chemicals, with an estimated value of US$137,367.94 and LRD26,099,908.

Court and Enforcement Outcomes

The September enforcement activities also produced significant judicial outcomes, with nine drug suspects convicted and sentenced at various prison facilities across Liberia, including three former LDEA officers.

Community Prevention and Public Awareness

As part of its preventive mandate, the LDEA also intensified community engagement and drug-awareness initiatives. In Gbonoto, Saynoea District, Bong County, the Agency conducted a community outreach program focused on educating residents about the dangers and harmful effects of illicit drugs.

During the engagement, community members expressed their commitment to working with the LDEA to combat illicit drug activities and help make their communities safer and drug-free.

The LDEA says the September results demonstrate its continued commitment to disrupting illicit drug trafficking, strengthening enforcement and prosecution, protecting communities, and expanding public awareness and community partnerships in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking across Liberia.

The LDEA calls on the public to remain vigilant and report suspected drug-related activities through its official hotlines: 0777-133-333 / 0888-133-333.

Signed: S/A G. Olando Demey Chief, Public Relations Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Cell: 0770-839-720