As Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency Director-General, Anthony K. Souh, promised to make the country a drug-free, agents of the agency are not leaving no stone unturned.
Just over the weekend, they launched a successful operation targeting suspected drug activity in the Ruth Perry Community, in the Police Academy suburb of Paynesville.
Based on the intelligence, the LDEA detail conducted a controlled “buy and bust operation,” during which L$1,000 worth of suspected narcotic substances were purchased.
Immediately following the transaction, a team of LDEA agents led by the deputy commander proceeded to the scene to make an arrest. The suspect, Dominic Morlue, a 35-year-old Liberian and resident of the Bassa Town Community in Paynesville, was arrested at the scene. With his consent, a thorough search was conducted at his place of operation, resulting in the discovery of 100 compressed plates of Marijuana (Lawo), 13 uncompressed Marijuana (Lawo) and 454 processed compressed Marijuana. The total estimated street value of the confiscated substances is approximately US$295,000 or L$56,050,000 According to Mr. Souh, preliminary findings suggest that this case is part of a larger network of transnational organized crime engaged in the trafficking and distribution of illegal narcotics within and beyond the country’s borders. The LDEA is currently deepening its investigation to uncover potential links to regional or international criminal drug networks. Meanwhile, suspect Dominic Morlue is currently in LDEA custody at headquarters, pending further investigation, formal charges and subsequent prosecution.
At that level vibrancy is its recent operations, Souh assured the public that the agency remains steadfast in its mission to combat illegal drug trafficking, disrupt transnational criminal operations and ensure public safety.
In a related development, a member of the community watch forum has been sentenced for illegally possession drugs.
On April 15, 2025, at approximately 10: a.m., officers of the agency assigned in Lofa County executed a court-issued writ of search and seizure at the residence of Prince Smith, a 31-year-old Liberian and resident of Zealakpala Town.
During the operation, LDEA authorities discovered one kilogram of marijuana at the suspect’s residence.
Prince Smith, who is also a member of the local community watch forum, was immediately arrested and later charged with unlicensed possession of a controlled substance in violation of the Liberian Drug Law.
Following the investigation, the case was forwarded to the Zorzor Magistrate Court on April 18, 2025. During trial proceedings, the suspect admitted that the marijuana was indeed found in his house. Based on his confession and in accordance with the law, the court sentenced Prince Smith to one year and two months imprisonment.
Courtesy: Public Relations Section