In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking in Rivercess County, officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) on Tuesday arrested a 30-year-old woman for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of illegal pharmaceutical drugs.
The suspect, identified as Annie Kamara, was apprehended at approximately 7:35 AM at the Nimba Junction checkpoint while en route with two cartons of frozen chicken concealing 100 scripts of Tramadol. The operation was led by LDEA Rivercess Commander George P. Kemokai, who confirmed the seizure in a press release issued Tuesday afternoon.
Commander Kemokai disclosed that the confiscated narcotics carry an estimated street value of L$100,000 (about USD 500), underscoring the magnitude of the illegal consignment.
“This arrest is a clear demonstration of our commitment to enforcing Liberia’s drug laws and protecting our communities from the harmful effects of illicit substances,” Commander Kemokai emphasized. “We want to send a strong message to traffickers that Rivercess is not a safe haven for drug smuggling.”
The arrest is part of the agency’s intensified operations in line with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2014, which criminalizes the unlawful possession, trafficking, and distribution of narcotic and psychotropic substances in Liberia. Under Section 14.107 of the Act, individuals found guilty of such offences could face a minimum prison sentence of ten years, depending on the quantity and type of drug involved.
The swift action by the LDEA has been welcomed by residents and local civil society leaders. Madam Mary Zulu, Women’s Rights Advocate and Chairperson of the Rivercess Peace Mothers Network, applauded the arrest as a step towards safeguarding youth from substance abuse.
“The drug situation in Liberia is robbing our youth of their future. The arrest of this woman shows that our security forces are not sleeping,” Madam Zulu noted.
Kamara is currently in LDEA custody pending further investigation and formal charges in court.
