By G. Watson Richards
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has charged a Guinean national, Alpha M. Diallo, following the interception of a vehicle at the Bo-Waterside Port of Entry during a routine inspection that led to the discovery of suspected controlled substances and over US$1.1 million in undeclared cash.
According to the LDEA investigative report, the incident occurred on March 26, 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m., when a joint security team stopped a red, white, and blue Toyota bus bearing plate number BR: 5002.
Investigators said two packs of Tramadol (Tapentadol/Tramadol tablets) were discovered concealed within the vehicle. Officers also reportedly found and seized US$1,187,000 hidden under the front seat.
The vehicle was allegedly driven by T. Amodou Baide, who is currently at large, while ownership was linked to Alpha M. Diallo, a 45-year-old Guinean national residing in Mamba Point, Monrovia. Diallo was arrested at the scene after the driver fled.
The seized drugs and cash were recovered in the presence of joint security personnel and customs officers, who took custody of the items and issued official receipts, according to the report.
Statement of Charges (LDEA)
“Based on the factual findings and physical evidence obtained during the investigation, the defendant Alpha M. Diallo is charged with drug trafficking, including importation, unlicensed possession, distribution, and transit of controlled substances (Tramadol), as well as money laundering, economic sabotage, tax evasion, criminal conspiracy, and facilitation.”
The agency further noted that the charges are in violation of relevant provisions of Liberian law, including sections of the Penal Law and the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of Liberia.
Key Investigation Findings
The LDEA report also highlighted the following:
The US$1,187,000 was not declared at the port of entry.
The defendant allegedly admitted that Tramadol was found in the vehicle but denied knowledge of its origin.
The source of the cash remains unverified, and the alleged owner, “Ousman Sow,” was not produced for investigation.
Authorities reiterated that Tramadol is a controlled substance in Liberia, restricted to licensed medical use only.
Diallo is being represented by Counsellors Alhaji Suvaliho Sesay, Lafayette B. D. Gould, and Attorney Ezekiel C. Kumch.
