MONROVIA – The Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) on Monday, September 8, 2025, confiscated large quantities of kush and Tramadol from an electronics store on Johnson Street in Monrovia, authorities confirmed. The shop, which outwardly operated as a retailer of electronic goods, was reportedly functioning as a major hub for illegal narcotics distribution in the city.
A court-ordered search, conducted with the assistance of local sheriffs, uncovered the drugs cleverly concealed inside speakers and cartons. LDEA agents stated that the operation is part of an ongoing effort to crack down on illicit drug trafficking and abuse in Monrovia.
The seizure comes in the wake of a nationwide moratorium on Tramadol announced by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health. On August 21, 2025, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto issued a press release declaring stricter enforcement of Part V, Chapter 41 of the Public Health Law, which governs the control of narcotic drugs in Liberia. The directive prohibits the possession, sale, or distribution of prescriptive or non-prescriptive drugs for wholesale or manufacturing purposes without a permit issued by the Liberian Pharmacy Board and approved by the Ministry of Health.
Under the new regulations, Tramadol use has been restricted to licensed hospital settings under professional medical supervision. The Ministry warned that violators of the directive would face “immediate penalties, including arrest, license revocation, and product seizure.” Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, has emerged as the most abused drug in Liberia, contributing to addiction, mental health deterioration, violent behavior, and social instability.
The Ministry also highlighted the dangers of shisha, which is often mistakenly perceived as harmless. Shisha contains dangerously high levels of nicotine and carcinogens, posing serious health risks including cancer, heart disease, and lifelong addiction, particularly among young users. “The abuse of these substances is destroying families, destabilizing communities, and threatening the future of Liberia’s young people,” the Ministry emphasized.
LDEA officials said the recent seizure is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to curbing drug abuse and ensuring public safety, as authorities continue investigations into the illegal distribution network operating in Monrovia.
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