By Christian Appleton
In a significant operation targeting the illegal drug and arms trade, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has apprehended a 51-year-old woman in Fish Town, River Gee County. The suspect, identified as Helena Allison, a resident of Fish Town and native of Maryland County, was arrested on Thursday, September 18, 2025, for the alleged possession of illicit drugs and ammunition. This successful raid is part of a broader, intensified national campaign to combat the distribution of narcotics and illegal firearms, particularly in Liberia’s southeastern counties.
The arrest was carried out by the LDEA’s River Gee detachment following a targeted intelligence-led operation. According to Special Agent Richard Nango, head of the local unit, officers discovered 116 rounds of single-barreled ammunition and three pills of Tramadol in Allison’s possession. The combined street value of the seized items is estimated to be L$36,300. “This arrest is a direct result of our sustained efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade and curb the unauthorized possession of arms in this region,” Agent Nango stated. “We are committed to making our communities safer and free from these dangerous threats.”
The arrest has garnered a positive response from local residents, who have lauded the LDEA’s decisive action. Many have expressed a desire for more security operations in the area to address the ongoing issues of crime and illegal activities. Allison is currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not dismissed the possibility of further arrests, suggesting that the operation could be linked to a larger network. This seizure underscores the LDEA’s dedication to enforcing the law and ensuring public safety in a region grappling with the challenges of narcotics and illegal firearms.
