Liberian Agency Busts Drugs at Bo Waterside
In what is being described as one of the biggest anti-drug operations in recent months, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing war against illegal drug trafficking across the country.
During a meticulously planned operation at Bo-Waterside — a key border point between Liberia and Sierra Leone — the LDEA intercepted a blue Nissan Amaria containing a massive consignment of the controlled substance Tramadol. The discovery was made following a routine security check by vigilant LDEA officers who noticed suspicious behavior from the vehicle’s driver.
Upon inspection, a total of 1,374 strips of Tramadol, valued at over L$ (Liberian Dollars) 2 million, were found carefully concealed within hidden compartments of the vehicle. The driver, 23-year-old Justine Roberts, was immediately arrested and taken into custody for questioning.
Authorities say Roberts is assisting with the investigation as the case undergoes legal processing before being forwarded to court.
Speaking to journalists following the operation, an LDEA spokesperson commended the professionalism and alertness of the officers who executed the bust, describing the seizure as a clear signal that the Agency remains fully committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks that threaten Liberia’s youth and public health.
In a related development, the LDEA also reported another successful operation in Caldwell, where officers arrested 26-year-old Dorothy Magee for possession of marijuana cleverly mixed with peanuts—a tactic believed to be used to evade detection. The consignment, valued at approximately L$127,000, marks the second major drug seizure in the Caldwell area in just two weeks, raising concerns over the growing sophistication of drug traffickers.
The LDEA has since renewed its call on the general public to support its operations by providing credible information that could lead to further arrests and the dismantling of drug distribution rings operating within communities. The Agency emphasized that the fight against illicit drugs is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration between law enforcement, local communities, and regional partners.
Authorities have vowed to intensify border surveillance, particularly at major entry points such as Bo-Waterside, to curb the smuggling of drugs and other contraband into the country.
The recent wave of arrests and seizures underscores the growing determination of the LDEA to rid Liberia of the scourge of narcotics, as the government continues to strengthen measures aimed at protecting young people from the devastating impact of substance abuse. As investigations continue, both suspects — Roberts and Magee — are expected to face formal charges in court in the coming days, marking another chapter in Liberia’s relentless campaign to dismantle the illegal drug trade once and for all.
