FOYA, LOFA COUNTY – In a fight against drug trafficking, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has seized a large shipment of illegal drugs, valued at over $77,000 USD, following an operation in Foya District on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This operation, which involved coordination between the LDEA and the Joint Security forces, is one of the most substantial drug seizures reported in the county this year.
The operation began on the evening of March 17, 2025, when authorities received an intelligence tip-off regarding a black pickup truck suspected of transporting narcotics. The vehicle, identified by its Liberian license plate A533348, was reportedly traveling from Sierra Leone to Monrovia via Lofa County. Acting swiftly on the tip, the Joint Security forces intercepted the truck the following day and brought it to the Foya Police Station for inspection.
During a search of the vehicle, officers uncovered a significant amount of illicit substances, including 772 plates of high-grade marijuana, which was estimated to be worth $77,200 USD, and eight boxes containing Tramadol, valued at approximately $842 USD. The total haul amounted to significant quantities of drugs that had been intended for distribution within Liberia.
The driver of the truck, identified as 43-year-old Fayiah Lamie, a resident of Monrovia, was arrested on the spot. Lamie initially claimed that he was transporting only clothes and slippers for sale. However, upon further examination, law enforcement officials discovered the drugs concealed within the vehicle. Lamie is currently under investigation and is expected to face formal charges in connection with the illegal drug trafficking.
LDEA officials have lauded the success of the operation but have also raised concerns about the challenges they face in combating drug trafficking in the region. LDEA Lofa County Commander, Special Agent Kpehe Lomax, explained that inadequate resources, particularly in terms of transportation, are hampering the agency’s ability to effectively tackle drug-related crimes. Lomax highlighted the difficulties officers face in pursuing drug traffickers, often relying on rented motorcycles due to the lack of proper vehicles.
“The lack of mobility makes it difficult for us to respond quickly to drug-related activities,” Lomax said. “We are calling on the government to provide logistical support to improve our capacity to combat this growing problem.”
The incident has brought renewed attention to the drug trade in Liberia’s border regions, particularly in areas such as Lofa County, which is a key transit point for illicit substances entering the country from neighboring Sierra Leone. The growing concern is that these drugs are being transported across the country and into the capital, Monrovia, where they are being distributed to various urban areas.
Community leaders and civil society groups have joined the call for stronger measures to combat the flow of illegal drugs into Liberia, urging both the government and international partners to prioritize resources for law enforcement agencies. The public is also being encouraged to assist authorities by providing information that could help dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
This seizure comes at a time when local communities are grappling with the rising prevalence of drug abuse, particularly among young people. As part of the broader effort to address drug trafficking, the LDEA has called for greater public awareness campaigns about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
The investigation into the Foya drug bust is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are continuing to follow leads in an attempt to identify the full scope of the trafficking operation. The LDEA has pledged to strengthen its operations and work closely with other agencies to disrupt the networks that facilitate the illegal drug trade. However, without additional support and resources, the battle against drug trafficking is expected to remain a significant challenge.
Authorities are also looking into how the drugs reached the borders of Liberia and are working to ensure that similar smuggling attempts do not succeed in the future. As the investigation unfolds, Lamie’s case is expected to serve as an important reminder of the constant threat posed by drug traffickers to Liberia’s security and the well-being of its citizens.
