23/07/2025
LDEA Nabs Woman with Tramadol Hidden in Frozen Chicken at Nimba Junction Checkpoint
Rivercess County, Liberia โ July 22, 2025:
In a swift and decisive operation early Tuesday morning, officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) in Rivercess County arrested a 30-year-old woman identified as Annie Kamara for trafficking a significant quantity of illegal pharmaceutical drugs.
According to a report released by George P. Kemokai, LDEA County Commander for Rivercess, the suspect was intercepted at approximately 7:35 AM at the Nimba Junction checkpoint. She was found in possession of 100 scripts of Tramadol, carefully concealed within two cartons of frozen chicken.
Commander Kemokai confirmed that the street value of the confiscated narcotics is estimated at L$100,000 (approximately USD 500). The arrest comes as part of the agencyโs ongoing crackdown on the illegal drug trade under the provisions of Liberiaโs Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2014, which criminalizes the unlawful possession, trafficking, and distribution of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
โThis arrest is a clear demonstration of our commitment to enforcing Liberiaโs drug laws and protecting our communities from the harmful effects of illicit substances,โ said Commander Kemokai. โWe want to send a strong message to traffickers that Rivercess is not a safe haven for drug smuggling.โ
Under Section 14.107 of the Act, any individual caught in possession of a narcotic drug intended for sale or distribution can face imprisonment of not less than ten years, depending on the severity and volume of the substance involved.
The arrest of Kamara has been met with applause from several prominent figures in Rivercess County.
Madam Mary Zulu, Womenโs Rights Advocate and Chairperson of the Rivercess Peace Mothers Network, hailed the LDEA's swift action.
โThe drug situation in Liberia is robbing our youth of their future. The arrest of this woman shows that our security forces are not sleeping. We commend the LDEA for protecting our children and women from the dangers of drug abuse.โ
Chief Amos Dweh, Paramount Chief of the Morweh District, also praised the agency, calling the arrest a โvictory for community safety.โ
โWe have suffered too long from the damage these drugs cause. Our villages are filled with idle youth turned addicts. The LDEA has made us proud today.โ
Meanwhile, Reverend Samuel T. Gbarweh, Head Pastor of the Rivercess Interfaith Council, urged the government to strengthen the LDEAโs logistical support.
โWe are encouraged by this successful arrest, but we must give our drug enforcement officers the tools and moral support they need. Let this arrest serve as a wake-up call to all involved in drug trafficking.โ
Suspect Annie Kamara, a Liberian national of the Kpelleh tribe, is currently in LDEA custody awaiting further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency has reaffirmed its stance on combating drug trafficking across all counties and warns traffickers to desist or face the full weight of the law.
Reporter: Amb John Nelson Hadji
Contact: [email protected] | 0881788869 / 0778914704
