By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has made a series of arrests and drug seizures across the country in a sweeping anti-narcotics operation spanning five counties.
The agency said the latest wave of enforcement is part of its national strategy to combat illegal drug trafficking and safeguard communities from the growing threat of substance abuse.
On the morning of Friday, May 16, 2025, at approximately 8:00 AM, a joint team of LDEA officers led by the Nimba County Chief of Operations, along with two sheriffs from the Sanniquellie City Magisterial Court, executed a Search and Seizure Warrant in Gbedin Town and Camp 3, District 2, Nimba County.
The raid resulted in the arrest of two suspects for unlawful possession of marijuana.
A 35-year-old Liberian national, Aaron Gokpeh was arrested in Gbedin Camp 3 with 69 wraps of marijuana, valued at LD 6,900.
Meanwhile, in nearby Gbedin Town, 38-year-old Ophelia Saye Kerkula was apprehended with 69 wraps of marijuana, 1 kilogram of loose marijuana, and a bottle of marijuana-infused Cane juice.
The total estimated street value of the narcotics in her possession was LD 29,575.
Both suspects are currently undergoing investigation and are expected to be formally charged and forwarded to court for prosecution in line with Liberia’s drug laws.
In a separate case, on May 8, 2025, in Tienpo, River Gee County, LDEA officers on routine patrol intercepted Mary Tarpeh, 33, who was found with 33 wraps of Kush and 2 wraps of marijuana.
The estimated street value of the seized narcotics was LD8,450. After investigation, Tarpeh was charged and forwarded to the Tienpo Magisterial Court for trial.
The LDEA is calling on the public to support its fight against drug trafficking by reporting suspicious activities,
The agency said the community participation is critical to ending the spread of illicit drugs.
In Lofa County, a major arrest was carried out on the evening of May 14, 2025, following a credible tip.
Hallie Visikenia, a 45-year-old local farmer, was caught along the Kpakutsu-FoyaTengia Road in possession of six large cans of marijuana.
The confiscated drugs had a street value of approximately US$246 or LD 46,740.
During questioning, Visikenia admitted that selling marijuana was his main source of income.
He has since been charged and transferred to court, and is currently being held at the Voinjama Central Prison awaiting trial.
Another major bust took place on May 8, 2025, in Grand Cape Mount County, where LDEA officers arrested Zoeren Varmia, 45, in the Kru Town Community of Robertsport.
The suspect was found with 0.5 kilograms of processed marijuana dust and 50 sachets of marijuana-laced peanut butter.
The seized items had a combined street value of LD 14,500 or approximately US$76. Varmia has since been turned over to the court system and is awaiting prosecution at the Robertsport Magisterial Court.
On May 9, 2025, a dramatic arrest occurred at the Timbo Bridge Checkpoint in Rivercess County, where LDEA officers apprehended Prince Sei, a 36-year-old male of the Mendi tribe.
A subsequent search revealed three packs of Tramadol, 22 grams of Kush, and 51 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of US$1,350 or LD 256,500.
Sei has been formally charged and is now facing trial in the Rivercess County judicial circuit.
Authorities say the drugs in his possession were likely intended for distribution throughout central Liberia.
The LDEA said these coordinated efforts highlight its commitment to disrupting illegal drug networks and ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.
The agency reaffirmed its dedication to prosecuting drug-related crimes and maintaining security across Liberia’s communities.
With a growing number of arrests and seizures, the LDEA is urging increased cooperation between citizens, law enforcement, and the Judiciary to dismantle drug trafficking operations and rehabilitate affected communities.
As the crackdown continues, the agency promises to expand its presence in rural and urban areas, targeting known hotspots and responding rapidly to intelligence tips from the public.
