MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has reported significant progress in its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking and abuse, forwarding 178 suspects for prosecution between September and October 2025.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitzgerald T.M. Biago, Officer-In-Charge of the LDEA, to reporters at a press briefing held at LDEA office in sinkor on Monday November 10, 2025 that the arrests, made across all 15 counties, included 113 Liberians and 17 foreign nationals from Guinea, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone. Suspects ranged in age from 18 to 70.
In the course of operations, six vehicles, 10 motorbikes, and two properties were seized and remain in custody pending court proceedings.
The total street value of the confiscated drugs is estimated at L$40.6 million (approximately US$218,790). Substances seized include 395 grams of cocaine, 147.6 grams of heroin, 5,124 grams of Kush, 4,127 kilograms of marijuana, and 111,378 pills of Tramadol.
Intelligence reports identified Bushrod Island and Paynesville as major drug hotspots in Montserrado County, while Grand Cape Mount and Sinoe Counties recorded the highest seizures in the leeward regions.
To publicly demonstrate its commitment to combating drug abuse, the LDEA will host a drug burning event on November 11 at Disco Hill in Margibi County.
The Media, civil society organizations, and partners have been invited to witness the destruction of the seized narcotics.
Beyond enforcement, the LDEA is ramping up preventive efforts, Fourteen Peer Educator Clubs have been established in 15 schools, and 10 Community Anti-Drug Action Committees have been formed in Montserrado County to promote awareness and community engagement.
The Agency also launched a mandatory drug testing initiative for its officers, Of the 406 officers tested across five counties, 10 tested positive and have been suspended indefinitely pending review by the LDEA Professional Standards Board.
Commissioner Biago reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to reform, highlighting ongoing policy reviews, rotation of long-serving county commanders, and efforts to rebuild public trust. “The new LDEA will not tolerate unprofessional conduct, We are determined to cleanse the Agency and restore public trust.” he started.
The LDEA expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia for its logistical support and called on all citizens to unite in the fight against drugs. “Together, we can and we will defeat the scourge of illicit drugs in Liberia,” Biago concluded.
About the Author
