On May 16, 2025, a significant drug bust took place at the Zor Gowee checkpoint in Nimba County, Liberia, resulting in the arrest of 29-year-old Benshedia Secret Weah. Ms. Weah, returning from Ghana, was apprehended during a routine security check by a joint security team. The search uncovered eight plates of marijuana, commonly known as “load,” concealed within her belongings. The street value of the seized drugs was estimated at US$1,200, equivalent to 237,600 Liberian Dollars. Following her arrest, Ms. Weah was taken to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) regional headquarters in Sanniquellie, where she remains in custody pending investigation and subsequent prosecution. This arrest underscores the LDEA’s ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in Nimba County.
The Zor Gowee checkpoint, located along the route to the Loguatuo port of entry, approximately 25 minutes from Sanniquellie, serves as a vital security point in monitoring cross-border movement and preventing illicit activities. The discovery of such a substantial quantity of marijuana on Ms. Weah highlights the potential for drug trafficking through this route. This incident further emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and rigorous security checks at border crossings to combat the flow of illegal substances into Liberia. The LDEA’s swift action in apprehending Ms. Weah demonstrates their commitment to enforcing drug laws and disrupting the narcotics trade.
This arrest is not an isolated incident but part of a series of successful operations conducted by the LDEA in Nimba County, indicating a concentrated crackdown on drug-related activities. The increased enforcement reflects the agency’s proactive approach to tackling the drug problem and protecting communities from the detrimental effects of substance abuse. The seizure of the marijuana from Ms. Weah represents a significant disruption to the supply chain, potentially preventing these drugs from reaching local markets and contributing to further harm.
In a separate incident at the Tappita checkpoint, also in Nimba County, two more individuals, Lawrence Langan, 27, and Kesselly Vonleh, 28, were arrested and found in possession of marijuana estimated to be worth over 30,000 Liberian Dollars. The drugs were concealed in their travel bags, again demonstrating attempts to smuggle illegal substances through established checkpoints. These arrests, coupled with the apprehension of Ms. Weah, clearly demonstrate the LDEA’s intensified efforts to control and reduce drug trafficking within the region.
Prior to this, on April 25, 2025, the LDEA apprehended 17-year-old Victoria Toweh in Toweh Town, Lower Nimba County. She was found with marijuana valued at 21,700 Liberian Dollars. This arrest, involving a minor, highlights another dimension of the drug problem – the exploitation of young people in the illicit drug trade. It underscores the importance of community engagement and awareness campaigns to educate and protect vulnerable individuals from becoming involved in such activities.
The LDEA’s Chief of Operations for Nimba County, Mr. Bill Cooper, has reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to eradicating the illegal drug trade in the region. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to holding all individuals involved in drug-related activities accountable for their actions, citing the negative impact of these substances on public health and overall societal well-being. Mr. Cooper’s statement serves as a strong warning to those involved in the drug trade, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards such activities.
The LDEA’s ongoing efforts in Nimba County have garnered praise from local residents, who have recognized a noticeable decline in drug-related activities compared to previous years. This positive feedback from the community underscores the effectiveness of the LDEA’s operations and the positive impact they are having on the safety and security of the region. The citizens’ acknowledgement further reinforces the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement and the community in the fight against drug trafficking.
