Monrovia – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) says it made significant gains in the fight against illicit drugs during the first quarter of 2026, arresting 233 suspects nationwide, seizing hundreds of kilograms of narcotics, and confiscating more than US$1.3 million linked to suspected transnational drug trafficking operations.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Presenting the Agency’s First Quarter Report on Wednesday, Officer-In-Charge and Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitzgerald T.M. Biago described the results as evidence of intensified enforcement, institutional reforms, and growing national efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking across Liberia.
The report comes amid the Government of Liberia’s ongoing declaration that substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking constitute both a national security and public health emergency.
According to Biago, the Agency arrested 233 individuals during the reporting period, including 193 males and 40 females. Those arrested comprised 195 Liberians, 17 Nigerians, 12 Sierra Leoneans, and nine Guineans.
“All suspects were investigated and forwarded to court for prosecution in line with the laws of Liberia,” Biago said.
The LDEA also confiscated 422.08 kilograms of assorted narcotics, including 115.66 kilograms of Kush, 248.56 kilograms of marijuana, 57.30 kilograms of Tramadol, and 0.56 kilograms of cocaine.
Authorities estimate the seized drugs have a street value exceeding US$433,950 and more than LD$103 million on the local market.
One of the Agency’s most significant operations occurred at the Bo-Waterside border crossing in Grand Cape Mount County, where officers confiscated approximately US$1.337 million suspected to be connected to transnational drug trafficking networks.
Biago described the seizure as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt organized criminal operations operating across Liberia’s borders.
Beyond enforcement, the Agency reported substantial progress in institutional reform and professional development.
According to the report, 110 Action Agents were vetted and enrolled at the Liberia National Police Academy for formal recruit training, while 30 senior personnel commenced leadership and management training programs.
The Agency also introduced mandatory random drug testing for employees as part of broader efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and integrity within its ranks.
Biago disclosed that officers accused of misconduct and evidence tampering are currently under investigation, underscoring what he described as the Agency’s “zero-tolerance policy” toward corruption and unethical conduct.
To improve operational effectiveness, the LDEA established a vehicle tracking and risk management system, strengthened evidence management procedures, initiated the development of Standard Operating Procedures, and advanced plans for the renovation and relocation of a modern headquarters facility.
The Agency also intensified public awareness campaigns during the quarter, reaching more than 2,500 citizens through engagements in schools, communities, churches, mosques, youth organizations, and civil society groups.
The outreach programs focused on educating Liberians about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention.
Biago pointed to what he described as encouraging indicators in the national fight against narcotics, noting that drug seizures declined dramatically when compared to the last quarter of 2025.
According to the report, narcotics confiscations dropped from 5,186.17 kilograms in late 2025 to 422.08 kilograms in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 91.86 percent reduction.
The Agency believes the decline reflects increased pressure on traffickers and stronger enforcement measures nationwide.
Despite the progress, Biago cautioned that major challenges remain.
He cited inadequate logistics, limited surveillance technology, and increasingly sophisticated trafficking methods as key obstacles facing anti-drug operations.
“We therefore call for sustained support from the Government of Liberia, international partners, civil society organizations, and the Liberian people,” Biago said.
“The fight against drugs is not the responsibility of the LDEA alone; it is a shared national responsibility.”
He praised the Government of Liberia, security institutions, international partners, community leaders, civil society organizations, and LDEA personnel for their continued support in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
“Together, we will continue to build a safer, stronger, and drug-free Liberia,” he concluded.
The latest report represents one of the most comprehensive operational updates from the LDEA since the Boakai administration intensified efforts to tackle drug abuse, which has emerged as one of Liberia’s most pressing social and security challenges.
