Published: June 18, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has announced the arrest of Prince Okeke, a Nigerian national allegedly linked to a major drug trafficking operation uncovered earlier this year at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
According to a press release issued Tuesday, the LDEA said Okeke—also known as Emmanuel Cmbah—was apprehended over the weekend following months of investigation. He is suspected to be a key accomplice in an international heroin trafficking ring connected to the February 1 seizure of narcotics worth nearly $389,000.
Okeke, who resided in the Paynesville suburb of Monrovia, is believed to have direct ties to the heroin smuggled into the country on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Thailand. The initial seizure involved 8.642 kilograms of heroin found in the luggage of Kenyan national Arondo L. Bonancy upon arrival at RIA. The drugs were valued at $388,890 on the street.
“This arrest represents a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle this trafficking network,” said LDEA Director General Anthony K. Souh.
Bonancy, who remains in pre-trial detention, previously told investigators—and later the public—that she had been tricked by a man known only as “Alex” into transporting what she believed was a canopy. The LDEA has expressed skepticism over her version of events.
Also detained in the case is Abel S. Gbedia, a Liberian taxi driver who claimed he was merely hired to pick up Bonancy at the airport. Authorities say Gbedia’s cooperation led to the surveillance operation that resulted in Okeke’s arrest. Both Bonancy and Gbedia are awaiting court proceedings.
The LDEA says the investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests are expected.
“We remain unwavering in our mission to root out drug trafficking from Liberian society,” Souh added.
Two Women Charged in Robertsport Drug Case
In a separate incident, the LDEA confirmed the arrest of Grace Kuasi, a 74-year-old Ghanaian national, and Fatu Passawe, a 51-year-old Liberian woman, in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County. The two were apprehended with drugs valued at US$1,200 and US$87.80, respectively. They have both been charged and forwarded to court for prosecution.
Woman Arrested in Grand Bassa with Multiple Drugs
In another related development, the LDEA’s Grand Bassa County detachment has reported the arrest of Naomi Gaye, 39, in Buchanan City. Gaye was apprehended at her home in the Wheaton Community during a search and seizure operation.
Authorities say she was found in possession of narcotics with an estimated street value of L$29,300, or approximately US$147. The confiscated items included eight tramadol strips, 17 trama pills, 88 wraps of kush, and 19 marijuana wraps. Gaye has been formally charged and turned over to the court.
Widespread drug smuggling, sales, and consumption remain a major public health and security challenge in Liberia, particularly among young people who are disproportionately affected by the illicit drug trade.
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