MONROVIA, Liberia — The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency says it forwarded 178 alleged traffickers and dealers to court between September and October 2025, seized narcotics worth an estimated L$40.67 million (about US$218,791), and has suspended 10 officers after compulsory drug testing as part of a clean‑up of the agency.
Announcing the figures at a press briefing, Officer in Charge DCP Fitzgerald T. M. Biago said the arrests were made across all 15 counties and involved suspects aged 18 to 70. Of the 178, 123 are males and 55 females. The nationality breakdown is 113 Liberians, seven Guineans, six Ivorians, three Sierra Leoneans and one Nigerian.
“Since our appointment to lead the LDEA and direct the national fight against illicit drugs, the Agency is making meaningful progress,” Biago said. “The war against drugs can be won if all Liberians and residents join hands to eliminate this menace from our society.”
Hotspots And Seizures
- Hotspots: LDEA intelligence points to Bushrod Island and Paynesville as major drug hubs in Montserrado. Grand Cape Mount and Sinoe recorded the highest seizures in the leeward counties.
- Most used: Marijuana and “kush” are the most consumed drugs in Montserrado; tramadol, marijuana and kush dominate in the leeward counties.
- Quantities seized (Sep–Oct 2025): Marijuana 4,127 kg; Kush 5,124 g; Tramadol 111,378 pills; Cocaine 395 g; Heroin 147.6 g.
- Assets: Six vehicles and 10 motorcycles were impounded; two houses remain under LDEA custody pending court outcomes.
Community And Prevention Push Biago thanked community, traditional and religious leaders, schools, civil society, motorcyclists and the media for cooperation. He said the LDEA’s Prevention and Community Outreach Services have:
- Established 14 Peer Educator Clubs in 15 schools in Montserrado; and
- Formed Community Anti‑Drug Action Committees in 10 Montserrado communities.
“Their hard work clearly demonstrates that the war against drugs can be won,” he said, calling on citizens to attend a public drug‑burning exercise on Monday, November 11, at Disco Hill, Margibi County.
Internal Clean‑Up: Testing And Suspensions The agency also launched compulsory drug testing for all LDEA personnel on September 1, 2025. Of 406 officers tested to date—170 in Montserrado, 56 in Nimba, 55 in Margibi, 50 in Grand Bassa and 36 in Bong—10 tested positive and were suspended indefinitely, Biago said. The officers have been referred to the LDEA Professional Standards Board.
“This exercise aims to set and maintain a professional and accountable standard within the LDEA. Those who fight drugs must do so with clean hands,” he said. “The new LDEA will not tolerate unprofessional conduct from any officer or employee.”
Administrative Reforms Biago said the agency, under his leadership and deputies Col. T. Ernest Tarpeh and ACP Patrick Kormazu, has begun:
- Reviewing policies and establishing clear administrative procedures and protocols;
- Rotating county commanders who overstayed assignments; and
- Rebuilding public trust through stronger community engagement.
“Let it be made clear: This is only the beginning. We are fully committed to cleansing the Agency of all elements that compromise our credibility and mission,” he said. He also thanked the government for “huge logistical support” that he said is enhancing operations nationwide.
By The Numbers (Sep–Oct 2025)
- 178 suspects forwarded to court (123 male, 55 female)
- Nationalities: 113 Liberians; 7 Guineans; 6 Ivorians; 3 Sierra Leoneans; 1 Nigerian
- Seizures (street value): L$40,671,401.50 (~US$218,790.85)
- Quantities: 4,127 kg marijuana; 5,124 g kush; 111,378 tramadol pills; 395 g cocaine; 147.6 g heroin
- Assets: 6 vehicles, 10 motorcycles impounded; 2 houses held pending trial
- Officer testing: 406 tested; 10 positive; all suspended and referred to PSB
“We invite the media, civil society organizations and partners to join us for the drug burning event,” Biago said. “Together, we can and we will defeat the scourge of illicit drugs in Liberia.”
