Under the direct supervision of its Director-General, Anthony K. Souh, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has made a series of breakthrough resulting to the arrests of individuals connected to the sale of the illegal substances. In one of major breakthroughs against illegal drug cultivation, the agency Lofa County Detachment on Saturday, April 12, 2025, dismantled a large marijuana plantation deep in a forest in Kolahun. At approximately 2:30 p.m. a specialized team, led by the county commander working in collaboration with the Sheriff assigned at the Kolahun Magistrate Court, executed a court-issued writ of search and seizure following credible intelligence implicating Janet Molay, a 38-year-old female farmer from Kailahun Town.
According to the LDEA dispatch, upon arrival at the scene, the team discovered a two-lot parcel of land deep within Kolahun Forest being used to cultivate a large quantity of marijuana. This operation stemmed from an investigation launched after the December, 2024, arrest of a suspect found with 169 kilograms of marijuana seeds, leading authorities to trace the illicit operation back to Kolahun. The team arrested Janet Molay on-site and proceeded to destroy about 2,384 marijuana trees, weighing approximately 51 kilograms, with an estimated street value of US$5,100 or L$969,000. Madam Molay is currently under investigation at the LDEA Headquarters in Voinjama.
Meanwhile, the entity under the watchful of the Director-General Anthony K. Souh, says it remains steadfast to eradicating illegal drug cultivation and ensuring the safety of Liberian communities.
In a related development, the agency Nimba County Detachment has raided a large marijuana farm in Tappita Forest in the lower of the county.
The LDEA Nimba County Detachment has successfully arrested two individuals involved in the cultivation of marijuana, following a raid in the Tappita Forest.
On April 9, 2025, after receiving credible intelligence, the LDEA Tappita Detail Commander led an operation with his team to investigate allegations of marijuana farming in the area.
Upon arrival, they discovered an active marijuana plantation on a one-lot plot of land. Officers swiftly cut down the plants and arrested two suspects.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mark Gaye, 36, a resident of Tappita’s Power Station and Emmanuel Mark, 30, a resident of Tappita City. Both are confirmed to be marijuana farmers.
During the raid, law enforcement seized 13 kilograms of marijuana, valued at approximately US$1,300 or LS247,000.
The suspects are currently under investigation at the LDEA Headquarters in Tappita, awaiting trial.
The LDEA said it continues to eradicating illegal drug cultivation and urges the public to report any suspicious drug-related activities in their communities.
Source: LDEA Public Relations Section