By S. Matthew M. Quoi, Jr., Nimba County
Ganta, Liberia, July 1, 2025 – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Nimba Detachment has burned narcotic substances valued at over six million Liberian dollars in Ganta City, Nimba County.
The exercise was held in observance of National Drug Day, a significant annual event that promotes national awareness and action against drug abuse in Liberia.
Speaking at the burning site in Ganta recently, the County Commander of the Nimba LDEA, Colonel Madison Gaylah, disclosed that the drugs destroyed were seized from various individuals across the county, including travelers and known dealers.
“These harmful substances were intercepted in different towns and checkpoints through the relentless work of the officers,” Col. Gaylah stated.
Among the narcotics burned were 245.8 grams of heroin, with an estimated street value of 2,144,834.00 Liberian Dollars; 42.6 kilograms of marijuana, valued at 826,440.00 Liberian Dollars; and 23.4 kilograms of compressed marijuana with a street value of 453,960.00 Liberian Dollars.
In addition, the LDEA destroyed 3.5 kilograms of ‘Laho’, valued 232,800.00 Liberian Dollars; a significant item in the burning was 386 grams of Kush, with a street value of approximately 1,487,680.00 Liberian Dollars; 136.15 grams of cocaine, with an estimated value of 1,426,288.00 Liberian Dollars, along with 88 scripts of Tramadol, worth 176,000.00 Liberian Dollars; 9 bottles of Codeine syrup valued 34,920.00 Liberian Dollars; and 3 kilograms of marijuana seeds, estimated at 58,200.00 Liberian Dollars.
The total street value of all drugs burned during the ceremony amounted to 6,852,800.00 Liberian Dollars.
Col. Gaylah praised the hard work of his officers, noting that their efforts are aligned with the Liberian government’s “ARREST AGENDA”, which focuses on cracking down on illegal drugs and their distribution networks.
According to him, throughout the year, his team has worked diligently without rest, stating that the fight is not just about arrests, but also about protecting the future of the youth and communities.
He warned drug traffickers, sellers, and importers to desist from their illegal activities or risk arrest.
“Let this be a final warning: anyone caught in these illegal drug activities will face the full weight of the law,” Col. Gaylah said.
President Joseph Boakai recently declared drug abuse a national public health and security emergency.
As part of that declaration, June 26 was designated a working holiday, aimed at reflecting the seriousness of drug issues and encouraging collective action.
This year’s observance highlighted the urgent need for a national response that brings together government, civil society, religious institutions, youth groups, labor organizations, and international partners.
Col. Gaylah specifically pointed out the increasing vulnerability of Liberian youth, particularly those between ages 19 and 39, to dangerous substances like Kush and Tramadol.
According to him, use of these substances is becoming widespread and poses severe risks to mental health, education, and public safety.
He also acknowledged the efforts of partners, such as the Liberian National Red Cross Society and the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD), for their ongoing advocacy and rehabilitation support.
He explained that drug addiction not only destroys individuals but also breaks down families, disrupts communities, and threatens national security.
The National Drugs Day celebration, he added, creates a platform for dialogue, education, and coordinated action, including school outreach programs and symbolic actions like the burning of confiscated drugs.
“This day helps us highlight the damage caused by drugs, unite key sectors, and call for evidence-based, humane policies,” Col. Gaylah said.
He urged Liberians to see the fight against drugs not as a job for law enforcement alone, but a shared national responsibility to protect Liberia’s youth, communities, and future. Editing by Jonathan Browne
