The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its operations at Roberts International Airport (RIA) in September 2025, temporarily suspending all activities and recalling its assigned personnel. This decisive action followed allegations of misconduct within the ranks, specifically concerning the underreporting of narcotics seized during a recent operation. The LDEA’s Officer in Charge (OIC), flanked by his deputies, publicly affirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and negligence, emphasizing that any officer found compromising the agency’s integrity would face severe consequences under the law. This internal investigation underscored the LDEA’s commitment to restoring public trust and ensuring the efficacy of its drug enforcement efforts.
The LDEA’s internal investigation coincided with a significant drug bust, demonstrating the agency’s ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking despite the internal challenges. On September 18, 2025, acting on intelligence, the LDEA confiscated a substantial quantity of compressed marijuana, estimated at 1,929 kilograms, in Brewerville City, Montserrado County. The street value of the seized narcotics was estimated at L$27,850,760 (approximately US$146,604). This operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals: Umar Mohammed, a Nigerian national known as Degote, identified as a significant drug trafficker in the West African subregion, and Abdullah Kamara, a Liberian national. Both suspects were taken into custody pending a thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution.
The LDEA’s actions at RIA signify a broader commitment to enhancing the agency’s operational effectiveness and public accountability. The OIC emphasized that the agency is undergoing a comprehensive review of its internal protocols and procedures. This internal review aims to address any systemic vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the alleged misconduct at RIA. The agency’s leadership recognizes that maintaining public trust is essential for successful drug enforcement. By proactively addressing internal issues and demonstrating tangible results through large-scale drug seizures, the LDEA aims to reinforce its commitment to combating drug trafficking in Liberia.
Beyond the specific incidents at RIA and Brewerville, the OIC highlighted the LDEA’s nationwide efforts to combat drug trafficking. These efforts extend across the country, with the LDEA conducting strategic arrests and confiscations as part of its ongoing operations. The agency’s strategy involves community engagement, collaboration with civil society organizations, and partnerships with international entities. This multi-pronged approach aims to dismantle drug networks at every level, from local distribution to international trafficking. The LDEA recognizes that combating drug trafficking requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses both supply and demand, while also engaging with communities affected by drug use and trafficking.
The OIC emphasized the collaborative nature of the LDEA’s operations, recognizing the vital role played by various stakeholders in supporting the agency’s work. He expressed gratitude to community members, religious leaders, motorcyclists, traditional leaders, educational institutions, government bodies, civil society organizations, and the media for their ongoing cooperation and support. This broad coalition of partners reflects the LDEA’s understanding that effective drug enforcement requires a whole-of-society approach. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, the LDEA aims to build trust, share information, and foster a sense of shared responsibility in combating drug trafficking.
In summarizing the events surrounding the LDEA’s actions in September 2025, several key themes emerge. First, the agency demonstrated a commitment to accountability by swiftly addressing allegations of misconduct within its ranks. Second, the LDEA’s successful drug bust in Brewerville City showcased its operational capacity and commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks. Third, the agency’s comprehensive review of internal protocols signaled a dedication to improving operational effectiveness and transparency. Finally, the LDEA’s emphasis on community engagement and partnerships underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in combating the complex challenge of drug trafficking. These combined efforts demonstrate a proactive and multi-faceted approach to drug enforcement in Liberia, aimed at addressing both immediate challenges and long-term systemic issues.
