LDEA Arrests 170 Suspects and Seizes 331.84 Kilograms of Narcotics in First Two Months of 2026
Monrovia, Liberia — March 25, 2026: The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has intensified its nationwide campaign against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse during January and February 2026, recording significant arrests, drug seizures, cash confiscations, and expanded prevention and capacity-building initiatives.
The operations, conducted in line with the 2014 LDEA Act and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s declaration of drug and substance abuse as a national security threat and public health emergency, resulted in the arrest of 170 suspects and the seizure of 331.84 kilograms of assorted narcotics, with an estimated street value of US$391,474.76.
In a major operation at the Bo Waterside Border in Grand Cape Mount County, the Agency also confiscated US$150,000 believed to be linked to drug trafficking. The LDEA reported that all suspects arrested during the period were investigated, formally charged, and forwarded to court.
Key Statistics: January–February 2026 Total Arrests: 170 Total Drug Seizures: 331.84 kg of assorted narcotics Estimated Street Value: US$391,474.76 Drug-Related Cash Seized: US$150,000 Nationality of Suspects Liberians: 146 Nigerians: 9 Sierra Leoneans: 9 Guineans: 6 Gender Breakdown Male: 142 Female: 28
Beyond enforcement operations, the LDEA strengthened its institutional capacity by commencing Basic Police Recruit Training for 220 volunteers under Class 3. The first 110 recruits are currently undergoing training at the Liberia National Police Academy.
The Agency also expanded its prevention and community outreach programs, reaching more than 1,800 students across 11 schools. Additional anti-drug awareness activities were conducted during national events and in schools along the Du-Port Road corridor. The LDEA further collaborated with youth groups, civil society organizations, and academic institutions to strengthen national efforts against drug abuse.
Despite these achievements, the Agency continues to face several challenges, including delays in the adjudication of drug-related cases, weak border security infrastructure, limited logistics and technology, inadequate specialized training, and emerging digital methods being used in drug trafficking.
The LDEA expressed appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Ministry of Justice, Joint Security, the U.S. Embassy, INL, UNODC, and the people of Liberia for their continued support.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse and called for sustained cooperation among national, regional, and international stakeholders.
The LDEA urges the public to continue assisting in the fight against drug trafficking by reporting suspicious activities through its hotlines:
0777-133-333 / 0888-133-333
Signed: G. Olando Demey Chief, Public Relations Department Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Cell: 0770-839-720