By Kruah Thompson
Lower Margibi County, June 29, 2026 – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) on Friday destroyed 1,044.6 kilograms of illegal drugs valued at US$1,579,265.36 as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The narcotics were publicly burned in Lower Margibi County following the official World Drug Day celebration, which included community cleanup campaigns, a parade from ELWA Junction to Paynesville Town Hall, and an indoor program attended by government officials, civil society organizations, and the Liberia National Police.
After the ceremony, the drugs were transported by truck to the destruction site, where LDEA officers incinerated the seized narcotics, including kush, heroin, tramadol, marijuana, cocaine, precursors, and captagon.
Speaking at the destruction ceremony, LDEA Officer-in-Charge DCP Fitzgerald S. Biango clarified that the drugs destroyed were unrelated to the reported US$19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
“The cocaine seized at the airport remains in storage and is still under investigation. It was not part of today’s destruction exercise,” Biango said.
According to him, the LDEA seized illicit drugs and controlled substances with an estimated street value of more than US$20.8 million across 14 counties between July 2025 and June 2026.
Biango said the seizures included marijuana valued at more than US$818,000, as well as heroin, cocaine crystals, tramadol, and other controlled substances.
He disclosed that an additional 136.476 kilograms of narcotics are currently being held as evidence in various courts pending prosecution.
The LDEA Officer-in-Charge also highlighted the agency’s prevention efforts, noting that between September 2025 and June 2026, the agency established 32 anti-drug peer education clubs in high schools to promote awareness among students.
He further disclosed that the LDEA created 27 Community Action Committees across the country to serve as early warning mechanisms and strengthen community participation in the fight against drug abuse.
Biango said the agency remains committed to expanding public awareness campaigns, strengthening partnerships with educational institutions, supporting rehabilitation initiatives, and promoting youth-centered programs aimed at preventing substance abuse.
He added that the LDEA will continue working with schools, community leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen Liberia’s response to drug trafficking and drug abuse.
