The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has confirmed the arrest of three individuals at the Tienii checkpoint in Grand Cape Mount County for trafficking a significant quantity of Tramadol.
According to the Tienii detail commander, officers acted on credible intelligence and intercepted a Green-Kailondo truck (Plate No. H04139) traveling from Jende-Wonde toward Monrovia. A search of the vehicle uncovered three bags containing 480 packs of Tramadol.
The suspects were identified as Edward Dagoseh Jr., 51, a resident of Jacob Town, Paynesville, and an employee of the Liberia Immigration Service (ID: LIS-J-16-14), alleged to be the owner of the drugs; Ali Fofana, 41, a resident of Gardnersville, holder of Driver License No. DL013517; and a third passenger named Siafa, whose full details are yet to be established.
The seized substance carries an estimated street value of LD $9,600,000, equivalent to about USD $50,526.32, according to LDEA Commander Sandouno N. Faya.
According to the Agency, the drugs were concealed inside a petroleum tanker belonging to Kailondo Petroleum Company. The vehicle has since been impounded as investigations get underway.
In response to the incident, the LDEA says it has stepped up strict security operations at all border points in an effort to prevent the entry of illicit substances into the country.
The three men have been transferred to the Investigations Section of the LDEA’s Grand Cape Mount detachment for further inquiry. Authorities say the case will be forwarded to the judiciary for prosecution.
The Agency further disclosed that businessman George Kailondo has been invited to its headquarters to provide clarification on the matter.
LDEA is urging citizens to remain vigilant and share information that could aid its ongoing fight against drug trafficking and distribution, stressing that public cooperation is key to tackling the crisis.
