MONROVIA – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has apprehended four Liberians in separate operations across Monrovia and Grand Gedeh County as part of an intensified crackdown on drug trafficking. The operations, led by ACP Patrick Kormazu, LDEA Deputy OIC for Administration, targeted known hotspots on 10th Street, 24th Street, Benson Street, and the Toe’s Town (Cestoe) Gate.
In Monrovia, the suspects arrested included 31-year-old Noah Folley, apprehended on Benson Street in possession of 44 grams of Kush, with an estimated street value of LRD 167,200 (USD 880). Emmanuel Uson, 32, was arrested on 24th Street carrying 12 grams of cocaine valued at LRD 123,120 (USD 648). Eighteen-year-old Noko Blamo was apprehended on 10th Street with a combination of Kush and marijuana, valued at LRD 163,400 (USD 860). The total value of drugs seized in the Monrovia operations amounted to LRD 453,720, approximately USD 2,388.
In a related operation in Grand Gedeh County, the LDEA Grand Gedeh Detachment arrested 34-year-old driver Dalieh Dickson at the Toe’s Town Gate while he was traveling from Monrovia to Maryland County. Dickson was found in possession of seven raw wraps of cocaine weighing 64.5 grams, with a street value of LRD 661,770 (USD 3,483).
The arrests follow the recent enforcement of Liberia’s new drug law, which classifies drug offenses as crimes and non-bailable. The suspects are currently under investigation, with Dalieh Dickson expected to be forwarded to the Zwedru Magistrate Court for prosecution in line with the legislation.
ACP Patrick Kormazu emphasized the agency’s commitment to disrupting drug networks across the country. “We are determined to enforce the law and bring drug traffickers to justice. These operations demonstrate our resolve to protect communities from the dangers of illicit substances,” he said.
The LDEA noted that the fight against drugs requires active public participation and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities. The agency provided two hotlines for confidential tips: 0777133333 and 0888133333.
Authorities said that the operations are part of a broader national strategy to curb drug trafficking and prevent the spread of narcotics, which have been linked to rising crime rates and social instability.
The agency also highlighted its collaboration with local law enforcement to ensure that suspects are prosecuted efficiently and that seized substances are documented and destroyed according to the law.
Community leaders in the affected neighborhoods have expressed support for LDEA’s actions, noting that drug use and trafficking have long been a source of concern in Monrovia and surrounding counties. Residents welcomed the arrests as a positive step toward safer communities.
The LDEA vowed to continue its operations in high-risk areas and assured the public that additional arrests and seizures are expected as the agency intensifies surveillance and intelligence-led investigations into drug trafficking networks.
