Several Nigerians Arrested With ‘Illegal Drugs’

-Valued Over LRD 2 Million

By Reuben Sei Waylaun

The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has arrested several Nigerians with huge quantities of marijuana and heroin in several locations across Logan Town, Bushrod Island, Monrovia.

flashback: Seized drugs in liberia

According to the LDEA, Azubwke Okolie, Ugo Chukwu, Okcchikwo Okonkwo, Offerdile Ezekiel Onyemaechi and Chindu Tobias all Nigerians were arrested over the weekend with over 66grams of heroin and 1kilogram of marijuana in Logan Town during the agency’s usual patrol to make Liberia a drug free society.

The street value of the seized drugs is put at a little over LRD 2million or US$14705.88.00.

Those Nigerians have been charged for being in possession of illegal substances and awaiting court trial.

Illegal substances on the Liberian market continues to pose a threat to the nation’s youthful population.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is an agency within the Liberian government charged with fighting drug-related crimes. Before its creation, fighting drug crimes was a responsibility of the Ministry of Defense.

flashback: drugs destroyed in liberia

The agency began as the National Drug Committee of the Interim Government of National Unity; it was created in 1993 during the presidency of Amos Sawyer. Five years later, the committee was converted into its present form: President Taylor signed a Bill passed by the National Legislature that created the DEA and patterned it after the Drug Enforcement Administration in the United States.

The DEA is charged with fighting drug trafficking at the country’s borders, arresting traffickers and dealers, and destroying illegal drugs.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.