Published: October 29, 2025
GANTA, Nimba County — The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Nimba County Detachment has made another major drug seizure, confiscating nearly 300 packs of Tramadol less than a week after intercepting a large quantity of compressed marijuana.
According to authorities, the seizure took place on Monday, Oct. 26, when officers assigned to the Yekepa-Sanniquillie checkpoint arrested a vehicle carrying 299 packs of Tramadol, a controlled substance classified under Liberia’s drug laws.
LDEA County Commander Special Agent Buster H. Julon said the vehicle, which bore a Guinean license plate (BC9813), was en route to Monrovia when it was intercepted during the early evening hours.
During a preliminary investigation, the driver, whose name and nationality were not disclosed — reportedly denied knowledge of the drugs, claiming that an unidentified man had asked him to transport a single pack of Tramadol to Monrovia. The vehicle was also carrying eight additional passengers.
Initial searches at the checkpoint uncovered 98 packs of Tramadol hidden under the driver’s seat and in other compartments. However, upon further inspection at the LDEA headquarters in Ganta, officers discovered an additional 200 packs, bringing the total to 299.
“The last discovery raised more suspicions about the driver’s possible involvement in the alleged crime,” Julon said, adding that a “robust investigation” is now underway to determine the source and intended recipients of the drugs.
Leadership Change Spurs Renewed Action
Commander Julon, who assumed leadership of the Nimba County detachment three weeks ago, has been credited with revitalizing the agency’s operations and morale.
Under his leadership, the LDEA has intensified patrols in known drug hotspots and strengthened cooperation with local communities — efforts that have led to two major drug arrests in less than one week.
“Since taking over as commander, I have made two major arrests, but this one is the largest,” Julon told reporters on Oct. 27. “Between now and December, I want to ensure we seize more drugs and send more drug traffickers to court. Our goal is to intercept drugs worth more than $1 million before the end of the year.”
Mobility Boost Strengthens Operations
The agency’s renewed effectiveness has also been linked to the recent donation of a four-door pickup truck, which has helped address long-standing mobility challenges that previously hindered operations.
Before the donation, officers reportedly struggled to respond promptly to intelligence reports and drug-related incidents, especially in remote or congested areas.
“The vehicle has greatly helped us in our work and motivated us to perform better,” Julon said. “We can now carry out timely arrests, respond quickly to intelligence, and maintain a stronger presence across the county.”
The LDEA has pledged to sustain the momentum through continued patrols, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with community members in its ongoing fight against illicit drug trafficking.
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