The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has intensified its efforts against drug trafficking, resulting in the apprehension of three individuals in separate incidents across Bong and Nimba Counties. These arrests underscore the agency’s commitment to combating the illicit drug trade and maintaining public safety. The operations highlight the ongoing challenges posed by drug trafficking within Liberia and the LDEA’s proactive measures to address them.
In Nimba County, the LDEA apprehended 28-year-old Dominic Paye, alias “Messiah,” during a routine security check at the Ganta Checkpoint on April 4, 2025. Paye was found in possession of three grams of Kush and ten strips of Tramadol, with an estimated street value of LRD 32,000. Following his arrest, Paye underwent investigation, was formally charged, and subsequently transferred to the Gompa Magisterial Court to await trial. This incident demonstrates the LDEA’s vigilance in monitoring key transit points to intercept illegal drug movement.
In a separate operation in Bong County, the LDEA arrested two individuals suspected of drug trafficking. Mulbah Forkpah, a 41-year-old resident of Gbarnga City, was apprehended at the Belefana Joint Security Checkpoint on April 5, 2025, while en route to Lofa County. He was found with 56.7 grams of cocaine and 26.5 grams of Kush, with a combined estimated street value of approximately LRD 682,100 (USD 3,590). Further investigations revealed the involvement of Forkpah’s alleged accomplice and girlfriend, 46-year-old Frances David, also a resident of Gbarnga. Both suspects remain in LDEA custody as investigations continue.
These arrests signify the LDEA’s multi-pronged approach to combating drug trafficking, encompassing both routine checks and in-depth investigations. The seizure of substantial quantities of cocaine and Kush indicates the scale of the drug trade within Liberia and the potential harm posed to communities. The arrests also highlight the LDEA’s efforts to dismantle drug networks, including identifying and apprehending individuals playing various roles within these operations.
The separate incidents in Bong and Nimba Counties emphasize the geographical scope of the drug trade and the need for continuous law enforcement presence across the country. The LDEA’s commitment to thorough investigations, evidenced by the arrest of Frances David following the apprehension of Mulbah Forkpah, underscores the agency’s determination to hold all those involved in drug trafficking accountable. The LDEA’s sustained efforts contribute significantly to curbing the flow of illicit drugs, disrupting criminal networks, and promoting public safety.
These arrests represent successful interventions by the LDEA in combating drug trafficking in Liberia. By apprehending individuals involved in the transportation and distribution of illicit substances, the LDEA is working to disrupt the drug trade network and reduce the availability of these harmful substances within communities. The varying quantities and types of drugs seized in these operations reflect the diverse nature of the drug trade and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in addressing this complex issue. The continued efforts of the LDEA are crucial in protecting the citizens of Liberia from the detrimental effects of drug abuse and trafficking.
