03/06/2026
LIBERIA DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY REPORTS MAJOR GAINS IN FIRST QUARTER 2026 CRACKDOWN
By: J. Theophilus Williams
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Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has announced significant progress in its nationwide anti-drug campaign during the first quarter of 2026, highlighting major arrests, narcotics seizures, institutional reforms, and intensified public awareness efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.
Presenting the Agency’s First Quarter Report on behalf of the LDEA, Officer-In-Charge DCP Fitzgerald T.M. Biago described the period as one marked by “progress, reform, accountability, and intensified national action against illicit drugs and substance abuse in Liberia.”
The report comes amid the Government of Liberia’s continued declaration of drug abuse as both a national security and public health emergency under the leadership of President Joseph Nyamah Boakai.
According to the report, the LDEA arrested a total of 233 suspects connected to drug trafficking and illicit narcotics activities nationwide between January and March 2026. Of those arrested, 193 were males, representing 83 percent, while 40 were females, accounting for 17 percent.
The Agency disclosed that the suspects included 195 Liberians, 17 Nigerians, 12 Sierra Leoneans, and nine Guineans. Authorities confirmed that all suspects were investigated and forwarded to court for prosecution in accordance with Liberian law.
During the quarter, the LDEA confiscated a combined total of 422.08 kilograms of assorted narcotics, including 115.66 kilograms of Kush, 248.56 kilograms of ma*****na, 0.56 kilograms of co***ne, and 57.30 kilograms of tramadol.
Officials estimated the street value of the seized drugs at more than US$433,950 and over LD$103 million on the local market.
One of the Agency’s most significant achievements during the reporting period occurred at the Bo-Waterside border crossing in Grand Cape Mount County, where officers confiscated approximately US$1.337 million believed to be connected to transnational drug trafficking activities. Authorities described the operation as a major breakthrough in disrupting organized criminal networks operating across borders.
The Agency also emphasized its commitment to institutional accountability and anti-corruption measures. According to the report, officers linked to allegations of misconduct and evidence tampering are currently under active investigation.
“The Agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and unprofessional conduct,” DCP Biago stated.
As part of ongoing reforms and professionalization efforts, the LDEA reported that 110 Action Agents were vetted and enrolled at the Liberia National Police Academy for formal recruit training, while 30 senior staff members commenced leadership and managerial training programs.
Additionally, the Agency introduced mandatory random drug testing for personnel, established a vehicle tracking and risk management system, strengthened evidence management procedures, and initiated the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The LDEA further disclosed that plans are advancing for the relocation and renovation of a modern headquarters facility to improve operational efficiency.
Beyond enforcement operations, the Agency intensified nationwide awareness and prevention campaigns aimed at reducing drug abuse, especially among young people. Through outreach activities conducted in schools, communities, churches, mosques, youth organizations, and civil society groups, the LDEA said it directly engaged more than 2,500 citizens and stakeholders with anti-drug education and prevention messages.
The report also highlighted what officials described as a major decline in drug proliferation nationwide. Comparative data between the last quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 showed that drug seizures dropped from 5,186.17 kilograms to 422.08 kilograms — representing a 91.86 percent reduction.
According to the Agency, the sharp decline reflects increased pressure on traffickers and strengthened national enforcement efforts.
Despite the reported successes, the LDEA acknowledged several ongoing challenges affecting anti-drug operations, including limited logistics, inadequate surveillance technology, and increasingly sophisticated trafficking methods used by criminal networks.
The Agency therefore called for sustained support from the Government of Liberia, international partners, civil society organizations, and the Liberian public.
“The fight against drugs is not the responsibility of the LDEA alone; it is a shared national responsibility,” the report emphasized.
DCP Biago extended appreciation to the Government of Liberia, security institutions, international partners, community leaders, civil society organizations, and personnel of the LDEA for their continued dedication and sacrifice in protecting the country.
“Together, we will continue to build a safer, stronger, and drug-free Liberia,” he declared.
The LDEA also urged members of the public to continue cooperating with authorities by reporting suspicious activities linked to drug trafficking and illegal narcotics operations nationwide.
