LDEA Intensifies Drug War as Three Major Arrests in One Week Yield Over LD$ 1.2 Million Seized Narcotics in River Gee

By: Ben T.C. Brooks |River Gee Correspondent

River Gee County | Jan. 20, 2026 | A wave of illegal drug crackdown has swept across River Gee County with efforts of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency – LDEA River Gee detachment.

With the launched of an aggressive crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, arresting three suspects within seven days and intercepting narcotics valued at LRD$1,206,750.00.The frontline anti-drug agency is leaving no stone unturned.

The coordinated operations, carried out at critical checkpoints across the county, underscore the LDEA’s renewed resolve to dismantle drug distribution networks and protect communities, particularly youth from the devastating social and health consequences of illicit drug abuse.

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the LDEA officers stationed at the Teinpo Detail intercepted a 25-year-old commercial motorcyclist, identified as Howard Gbangly, during a routine checkpoint operation.

Gbangly was apprehended at the Teinpo–Nyonken checkpoint while en route from Kanweaken to Nyonken.

A thorough search conducted by officers uncovered half a plate of marijuana along with five strips of Tramadol pills, allegedly concealed for illegal distribution.

The LDEA River Gee County detachment estimates the street value of the seized substances at LD. $ 48,750.00.

The suspect is currently under investigation as authorities work to trace the origin and intended destination of the drugs. He is expected to be forwarded to the Teinpo Nyonken Magisterial Court for onward prosecution.

In a separate operation described by authorities as a major breakthrough, the LDEA on Thursday, January 15, 2026, intercepted one of the largest Tramadol consignments seized in River Gee County this year.

According to the LDEA County Commander Special Agent Bill M Cooper Jr., the operation followed a tip-off from a concerned commercial driver who had transported goods from Kanweaken to Grand Gedeh County, only to later realize that the cargo contained illegal Tramadol pills.

Acting swiftly on the information, LDEA officers intercepted the shipment at the Combat Gate Junction in River Gee County where a 39-year-old businesswoman, identified as God There Johnson, was arrested in connection with the consignment.

Authorities estimate the street value of the seized Tramadol at LRD 1,140,000.00, noting that the interception represents a significant disruption to drug supply routes in the region as the year 2026 unfolds.

Earlier in the week, the LDEA officers assigned to the Webbo Checkpoint, arrested a 21-year-old student, Jackson K. Weah, on allegations of drug trafficking.

Weah was traveling in a vehicle bearing license plate A18956 from Pleebo to Kanweaken, River Gee when officers, during a routine inspection, discovered one compressed plate of high-grade marijuana concealed in the vehicle.

According to LDEA River Gee County Commander Special Agent Bill M. Cooper Jr., the street value of the seized marijuana is estimated at LRD 18,000.00.

The LDEA River Gee County Detachment has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking, abuse, and distribution, particularly among young people and vulnerable populations.

Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities.

“These arrests send a clear and powerful message that River Gee County will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers,” an LDEA official emphasized.

All suspects remain under active investigation and will be forwarded to court in accordance with Liberian law.