A 35-year-old man identified only as Dominic is facing prosecution after officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) arrested him at the Ganta-Gbarnga checkpoint with a significant quantity of illegal drugs.
The arrest, which occurred on Friday, April 4, followed a routine stop and search of a blue taxi traveling from Monrovia to Ganta. Authorities became suspicious of Dominic’s behavior and conducted a search, leading to the discovery of three plastic bags of KUSH with an estimated street value of 24,000 Liberian dollars (LD) and one pack of TRAMADOL worth 38,000 LD.
Special Agent Hilton Wiles, LDEA Ganta Commander, described Dominic as a “notorious drug dealer” who has been on their radar. “This is a significant arrest for our team,” Wiles stated. “The suspect will be transferred to the county circuit court on Monday to face prosecution under Liberia’s drug laws.”
While commending his officers for maintaining vigilance, LDEA Nimba County Commander, Special Agent Malison Gaylah, revealed that the county remains approximately 90% drug-free due to consistent enforcement efforts. However, he emphasized the need for additional government support to sustain their progress.
“We are doing our best, but we need more resources, vehicles, surveillance equipment, and better logistics, to effectively combat drug trafficking in the region,” Gaylah said.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the arrest. Some praised the LDEA for its efforts, while others called for stricter penalties for drug-related offenses. “These drugs are destroying our youth,” said Martha Saye, a market vendor in Ganta. “The government must do more to stop dealers from bringing these substances into our communities.”
As Dominic awaits trial, the LDEA has reassured the public of its commitment to cracking down on narcotics distribution in Liberia. The case highlights both the successes and challenges faced by law enforcement in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
