By Amos Harris
Paynesville City, Liberia – On Thursday, June 26, 2025, Liberia joined the international community in observing the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked by a powerful display of zero tolerance for narcotics and a renewed national appeal for prevention, education, and enforcement. Under the global theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” a significant ceremony in Paynesville City brought together government officials, law enforcement agencies, civil society actors, international partners, students, and community leaders.
A pivotal moment of the event was the public destruction of illegal drug substances valued at USD 4.9 million (L949,263,015.70). These drugs were seized by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) between June 2024 and June 2025 across Liberia. The LDEA’s comprehensive report detailed the confiscation of a staggering 9,651.32 kilograms of narcotics during the year
The seized narcotics included:
- Marijuana: 5,494.50 kg
- Kush: 4,040.02 kg
- Heroin: 11.9 kg
- Cocaine: 32.69 kg
- Tramadol: 68.73 kg
- Precursor chemicals: 3.43543 kg
The LDEA further highlighted the counties with the highest seizures:
- Lofa County: 1,514.45 kg of marijuana
- Grand Cape Mount County: 58,238.40 g of tramadol, 3,507.40 g of cocaine, and 1,000.00 g of precursor chemicals
- Sinoe County: 37,453.29 g of heroin
LDEA Director General Anthony Souh expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia and international partners for their unwavering support in the fight against the drug epidemic. He emphasized that only a united, grassroots-centered approach can effectively curb the escalating problem of drug use and trafficking in Liberia. “We can only succeed if we act collectively as one people and one nation. Prevention is the key, and the community must be engaged,” Director Souh urged.
Keynote speaker Mr. Engerne L. Fahngon, Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System, challenged national leaders to translate anti-drug rhetoric into concrete action. “Fighting drug abuse and trafficking is not a paper war. It requires action. We must equip our enforcement agencies, improve officer salaries, and boost border security,” Fahngon stressed. He specifically called on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, led by Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, to provide the LDEA with sufficient funding and logistics to perform its statutory duties effectively.
Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh commended officers for their vigilance and presented certificates of recognition to counties that recorded major drug busts. He underscored the critical need for widespread awareness, stating, “Every Liberian must become an ambassador against illicit drugs. We must break the cycle of addiction and organized crime. This is a collective responsibility.” Minister Tweh also highlighted the particular vulnerability of the country’s youth to the drug crisis, advocating for their protection through school-based education, parental guidance, and sustained community support.
A symbolic burning of confiscated drugs took place at Disco Hill, serving as a powerful visual representation of the government’s ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse. This act reinforced Liberia’s commitment to eliminating the illicit drug trade and sent a strong warning to traffickers and their networks.
The event saw participation from the United States Embassy, student organizations, civil society groups, and members of the Joint Security, all signaling growing domestic and international support in the war against drugs.
The observance of International Drug Day served as a stark reminder of the scale and urgency of Liberia’s drug problem. With thousands of kilograms of narcotics intercepted annually, authorities are calling for intensified investment in law enforcement, public education, and community-driven prevention strategies.
As Liberia faces the mounting challenges of drug abuse and trafficking, stakeholders unequivocally agree that the battle cannot be won by the government alone. Only through a coordinated national response rooted in prevention, education, and enforcement can Liberia move toward a drug-free future.
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