In the aftermath of the seizure, LDEA has invited George Kailando for a conversation regarding the matter.
All hell broke loose on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Liberia/Sierra Leone border in Bo-Waterside, Grand Cape Mount County, shortly when security assigned there were notified of the seizure of several boxes of Tramadol.
Residents nearly went against securities in protest, claiming the crossing of the drugs was with their individuals’ consent. They also claimed the arrested truck had frequented the border without security check.
Security authorities at the nearby Tianii checkpoint in the county quickly confiscated 40 cartons of the controlled substance, tramadol, from one of the trucks belonging to KAILANDO Petroleum Company.
The company is owned by George Kailando, a businessman, and a lawyer by profession.
Thursday’s seizure raised serious concerns about the illegal transportation of drugs through the county; usually connected to so-called prominent individuals.
Authorities at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, have not yet provided full details on the origin of the substances or the individuals connected to the truck.
The Agency director of communication, Olando Demey, told this newspaper that an investigation has been launched to establish how the consignment was placed on the vehicle, and its intended destination.
Officials have meanwhile, described the matter as a “developing story,” promising to release additional information as inquiries continue.
When contacted, Mr. Kailando did not deny nor confirm his connection to the importation deal, but quickly said: “According to my knowledge, the truck supposed to be parked; not to be in Cape Mount.”
Latest version from LDEA
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) confirmed confiscating the 40 cartons of Tramadol drugs at the Tieni checkpoint.
The 40 cartons of illicit substance, according to the Agency, were discovered hidden aboard a petroleum tanker belonging to the Kanlando Petroleum Company.
The vehicle has meanwhile, been impounded while the LDEA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the contents on board it.
As part of its heightened response, the LDEA has intensified rigorous security checks at all border points to curb the inflow of dangerous substances.
The Agency has extended an official invitation to George Kailando to appear at its head office for a conversation regarding the matter.
The LDEA is also encouraging citizens of goodwill to continue sharing timely information with it, adding: “community cooperation remains critical as the fight against drug traffickers and distributors intensifies.”
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol, sold under the brand name Tramal among others, is an opioid pain medication and a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), used to treat moderately severe pain.
In Liberia, the drug is associated with substance abuse, including the use of Kush and other narcotics substances.
When taken by mouth in an immediate-release formulation, the onset of pain relief usually begins within an hour.
It is also available by injection. It is available in combination with paracetamol (acetaminophen).
As is typical of opioids, common side effects include constipation, itchiness, and nausea.
Serious side effects may include hallucinations, seizures, increased risk of serotonin syndrome, decreased alertness, and drug addiction.
A change in dosage may be recommended in those with kidney or liver problems.
It is not recommended in those who are at risk of suicide or in those who are pregnant.
While not recommended in women who are breastfeeding, those who take a single dose should not generally have to stop breastfeeding.
Tramadol is converted in the liver to O-desmethyltramadol (desmetramadol), an opioid with a stronger affinity for the μ-opioid receptor.
Tramadol was patented in 1972 and launched under the brand name Tramal in 1977 by the West German pharmaceutical company Grünenthal GmbH.
In the mid-1990s, it was approved in the United Kingdom and the United States.
It is available as a generic medication and marketed under many brand names worldwide.
In 2023, it was the 36th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 16 million prescriptions.
Source: Jenneh Kemokai