By Precious D. Freeman
Officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) carried out several high-profiled arrests between April 21-25, 2025, across counties aimed at curtailing the spread of illicit drugs.
The operations resulted in the confiscation of substantial quantities of narcotics and the apprehension of several suspects now awaiting court trials.
On April 21, 2025, at approximately 10:30 AM, LDEA officers from the Maryland County Detachment arrested 19-year-old Patrick M. Bowman in Pleebo City.
Bowman, a Liberian national of the Grebo tribe, was apprehended during a raid in Pleebo Town while in possession of a significant quantity of illegal substances.
Authorities revealed that Bowman was caught with 135 parcels of marijuana and 29 pieces of Tramadol tablets.
According to LDEA estimates, the street value of the seized marijuana stands at L$ 40,500, while the Tramadol tablets are valued at LR$ 11,600.
Following his arrest, Bowman was subjected to an intensive investigation and is now pending court trial.
The LDEA reiterated its dedication to the national campaign against drug trafficking and abuse, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and assist law enforcement agencies in protecting communities from the harmful impacts of narcotics.
Three days later, on April 24, 2025, another successful operation was recorded by the LDEA Grand Gedeh County Detachment.
At approximately 3:00 AM, suspect Sam Karyogo, a 50-year-old Liberian national, was arrested in Gbagbo Town.
Karyogo was en route from Niao Clan to Sinoe County when he bypassed the Gbagbo Town checkpoint, raising suspicions.
Upon inspection, officers discovered 17 kilograms of marijuana in his possession. The estimated street value of the confiscated drugs is approximately US$1,700 or LRD 323,000. Karyogo, after his arrest, underwent investigation and is now also awaiting court trial to face charges related to drug trafficking.
The LDEA Grand Gedeh Detachment emphasized its commitment to maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding the future of Liberia’s youth from the perils of substance abuse.
They encouraged all residents to be vigilant and proactive in reporting illicit activities within their communities.
The following day, April 25, 2025, the LDEA carried out another critical operation.
At around 9:00 AM, a joint team of LDEA officers from the Tappita Detail and the Special Drug Squad (SDS), led by the County Chief of Operations, arrested suspect Teah Toe after a hot pursuit in Vahn Town, Tappita District, Nimba County.
Teah Toe, a 53-year-old Liberian of the Gio tribe, was found in possession of three kilograms of marijuana.
The drugs confiscated from Toe have an estimated street value of US$300.00 or LRD 57,000.00. The suspect is currently undergoing investigation and will be formally charged and forwarded to court.
Later that same morning, at approximately 10:40 AM, another significant bust took place at the Tappita City Checkpoint in Nimba County. Led by members of the Special Drug Squad, codenamed “Tension,” LDEA officers arrested two suspects during a routine inspection.
The two individuals, Lawrence Langar, 27, a resident of Zonngain Town, and Kesselly Vonleh, 28, a resident of Gbor Kwipea Town, District 6, were found carrying a black plastic bag containing marijuana hidden among their personal belongings.
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is L$ 30,000 while Langar and Vonleh are currently being investigated and will soon be forwarded for prosecution.
Authorities stressed that the arrest of these individuals sends a strong warning to those involved in the trafficking and distribution of illegal substances.
Throughout these operations, the LDEA praised the vigilance and dedication of its officers, whose swift actions helped prevent large quantities of drugs from reaching local communities.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts against drug trafficking networks operating across Liberia.
The LDEA also highlighted the crucial role that community members play in this ongoing battle.
By reporting suspicious activities, citizens can help authorities dismantle the supply chains that feed addiction and crime.
In conclusion, the LDEA emphasized that only through collective effort can Liberia be made a safer, drug-free nation.
“Together, we stand stronger against the threat of illegal drugs,” the agency reiterated in a public statement following the arrests.
