By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has intercepted a large quantity of Tramadol at the Bo Waterside Port of Entry, a key checkpoint on the Liberia–Sierra Leone border.
At approximately 11:00 AM, LDEA officers stationed at the border post apprehended Mohammed Sangare, a 23-year-old Liberian national and resident of the Stephen Tolbert Estate in Monrovia.
Sangare, the driver of a white mini bus bearing license plate AM 6206, was en route from the Madina Market parking area in Conakry, Guinea, when routine border inspection procedures uncovered a massive consignment of the banned pharmaceutical.
Upon a detailed search of the vehicle, agents discovered 583 packs of Tramadol, totaling 58,300 pieces, a street value estimated at L$11,660,000 (US$61,368).
Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, is commonly abused across West Africa, where it is often sold illegally for its euphoric effects and potential for addiction.
LDEA officials swiftly moved to secure the contraband and, in accordance with national drug enforcement protocols, handed the seizure over to the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) for verification and documentation.
“The arrest of Mohammed Sangare and the interception of this significant volume of Tramadol sends a clear message that Liberia’s borders are not open to drug traffickers. “We remain resolute in our efforts to dismantle smuggling networks and protect our citizens from the dangers of illicit drugs.”
Sangare is currently being held in LDEA custody pending further investigation.
He is expected to be charged with drug trafficking and will be forwarded to court for prosecution under Liberian law.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as investigations continue into the origins and intended destination of the drugs.
This latest seizure highlights the LDEA’s growing vigilance and effectiveness in curbing the drug trade across Liberia’s porous borders.
It also underscores the growing threat of pharmaceutical smuggling in West Africa, where poorly regulated substances often make their way into informal markets.
The LDEA has urged the public to remain alert and cooperate with authorities in the fight against illegal drugs.
Reports of suspicious activity can be made anonymously to the agency’s hotline.
Tramadol is a prescription painkiller that is classified as a controlled substance in Liberia due to its potential for abuse and addiction.
While legal in many countries when used appropriately, its misuse has been linked to serious health issues, including dependency, seizures, and overdose.
Tramadol Worth US$61,000 Seized At Border
