Monrovia, Liberia – 5 December 2025: Liberia’s Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has arrested three Sierra Leonean nationals during a raid in the Joe Bah community, Paynesville, where officers seized a large quantity of the synthetic drug widely known as “Kush”.
The operation took place on Wednesday evening, 4 December, at approximately 8:30 PM. It was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Patrick Kormazu, LDEA Deputy Officer-in-Charge for Operations, together with the agency’s Special Drug Squad.
During the raid, authorities recovered 677 grams of Kush with an estimated street value of LRD 2,572,600 (approximately USD 13,540, or more than Le300 million in new Leones).
The arrested Sierra Leoneans have been identified as:
– Kadiatu Laikoh, 28
– Alieati Bah, 20
– John Torawalle, 24
The suspects are currently in custody at LDEA headquarters in Monrovia and are undergoing further investigation. Police say the trio will soon be charged and sent to court.
In a statement, the LDEA thanked residents who provided vital information leading to the arrest and called on the public to stay alert.
“We urge citizens in both Liberia and Sierra Leone to continue supporting the fight against drug trafficking by reporting any suspicious activity through our hotlines,” the agency said.
The arrest highlights the growing regional threat posed by Kush, a highly addictive synthetic substance that has spread rapidly across West Africa.
Law enforcement agencies in Sierra Leone, Liberia and neighbouring countries have stepped up joint operations to disrupt trafficking networks.
Authorities have warned that anyone caught dealing in Kush, regardless of nationality, will face the full weight of the law.
Community leaders in Paynesville have welcomed the operation and pledged to work closely with security forces to keep drugs out of their neighbourhoods.
