LDEA seizes $117,000 worth of heroin | News

— 36-year-old Abu Keita, an Ivorian national, is the suspect

The Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) over the weekend arrested 36-year-old Abu Keita, an Ivorian national, for possession, sale and distribution of heroin and methamphetamine in the Sinkor area. The arrest took place on August 21 at Keita's residence on 18th Street in Sinkor.

Following the arrest, the LDEA conducted tests on the seized substances and confirmed that they were heroin and methamphetamine, commonly known as “KUSH.”

The total weight of the seized narcotics was 3.6 kilograms, including 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1.8 kilograms of heroin. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is US$117,000, equivalent to L$22,230,000.

Keita has been formally charged with violating Liberia's Drug Law of 2023, specifically sections 14.89 and 14.85 which regulate the possession, sale and distribution of narcotics. He is also charged under sections 10.4 and 10.2 of the Liberian Penal Code. The suspect has been arraigned to court for prosecution.

It may be recalled that on July 25, the Agency also arrested two women who attempted to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics disguised as market goods at the Bo Waterside border.

The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Alice Flomo and 34-year-old Ophelia Dixon, both Liberians, were found to have concealed drugs in bags of palava sauce, bitter balls and dried meat – a common tactic used by smugglers to avoid detection.

The operation resulted in the discovery of six pressed packets of marijuana valued at $456.00 and two ounces of Kush with a street value of $1,120. The women were crossing the border from Sierra Leone into Liberia when they were flagged by LDEA agents for an open search, which led to the discovery of the illegal substances.

The raid, captured on video by Officer in Charge Christopher K. Peters, quickly spread online. The footage showed LDEA officers conducting a thorough search while maintaining confidentiality, as they could be heard instructing each other not to mention names during the inspection.

“This operation highlights the ongoing challenges we face in the fight against drug trafficking,” said Officer Peters. “Drug traffickers are constantly finding new ways to hide their drugs, but we remain vigilant and protect our borders.”

Drug smuggling has increased at the Bo Waterside border, a key crossing point between Liberia and Sierra Leone. Criminals are increasingly using everyday items such as food to hide narcotics. The LDEA has increased its efforts to monitor local markets and enforce Liberia's drug laws.

Both suspects were arrested, charged and brought to court for prosecution.

The LDEA reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug networks across the country and vowed to continue to target traffickers and individuals involved in the illicit drug trade. This latest operation underscores the agency's determination to combat drug trafficking and protect the Liberian people from the scourge of illegal drugs.