The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has released its second-quarter report, revealing that Liberians have overtaken Nigerians in the illegal drug trade, with narcotics trafficking and local consumption continuing to pose serious security and public health challenges.
Speaking to reporters in Monrovia on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Officer in Charge Fitzgerald T. M. Biago stated that during the second quarter, the LDEA arrested two hundred thirty-three (233) suspects connected to drug trafficking and illicit narcotics activities nationwide.
Of this number, one hundred ninety-three (193) were males, representing 83%, while forty (40) were females, representing 17%, including one hundred ninety-five (195) Liberians, seventeen (17) Nigerians, twelve (12) Sierra Leoneans, and nine (9) Guineans.
According to him, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency presents its First Quarter Report for 2026, a report that demonstrates progress, reform, accountability, and intensified national action against illicit drugs and substance abuse in Liberia.
Guided by the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, and in keeping with the Government of Liberia’s declaration that drug abuse is a national security and public health emergency, the LDEA continues to strengthen enforcement, prevention, and institutional reforms across the country.
According to him, 0.56 kg of cocaine and 57.30 kg of tramadol were seized, noting that these drugs carry an estimated value of over US$433,950 and more than LD$103 million on the local market. Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, and Sinoe Counties remain on the hotspot list, while marijuana, krush, and tramadol remain at the top of the list of drugs confiscated during the period.
Notably, major border operations at Bo-Waterside in Grand Cape Mount County have led to the confiscation of US$1.337 million, suspected to be linked to transnational drug trafficking activities, marking a breakthrough in disrupting organized criminal networks across borders.
At the same time, the LDEA says it remains firmly committed to integrity and accountability.
Officers linked to allegations of misconduct and evidence tampering are currently under active investigation, reinforcing the Agency’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption and unprofessional conduct. Institutionally, the Agency made significant progress during this quarter, with 93 action agents expected to graduate.
