The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), through its River Gee Detachment, has confirmed the arrest of Helena Allison, age 51, for the illegal possession of gun shots (ammunition) and controlled substances.
The arrest, according to the Agency, was carried out earlier last week as part of ongoing crackdown on the illegal distribution and possession of narcotics and unauthorized weapons.
During a press briefing held in Fish Town, the head of River Gee LDEA Detachment, Richard Nango, said Suspect Helena was apprehended after intelligence-led operations in the area. “Upon searching Helena’s residence, LDEA officers discovered a total of 116 single-barrel gun cartridges, and three pills of tramadol, a prescription drug often misused for recreational purposes,” LDEA said in a release.
“The items seized from the suspect have an estimated street value of L$36,300,” said Agent Nango.
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid commonly prescribed for pain relief, but is often abused due to its sedative effects.
In Liberia, the drug is classified as a controlled substance, and possession without proper medical authorization is illegal.
The ammunition found is typically used in single-barrel shotguns, which are prevalent in rural areas, and often regulated under firearm control laws. The unauthorized possession of such a large quantity of ammunition has raised concerns among local law enforcement and residents about potential connections to wider security threats or illicit activities.
Suspect Helena Allison, originally a citizen of Maryland County, has been residing in Fish Town, River Gee County for several years.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether she is part of a larger network or acting independently. The motive for the possession of such ammunition and the narcotic substance remains unclear.