Monrovia, Liberia -Residents of Monrovia and the neighboring areas took matters into their own hands in an effort to rid their neighborhoods of the threat that was impacting the youth population. The locations where underprivileged teenagers gather to use narcotics were demolished by irate citizens. Communities were reclaimed from the scourge by burning gutters, shacks, and abandoned buildings that were used as drug dens.
The government, through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) and the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), lauded the citizens’ courage while cautioning communities to avoid mob justice or violence in their campaign
A number of young Liberians had died as a result of the drug pandemic, on August 7, 2025, parents, educators, students, and ordinary citizens flocked to the streets with signs and shouts demanding more forceful government action. In the pouring rain, parents wailed out loud and pleaded for their children to be released from the grip of “Kush,” “Sparke,” and other deadly substances. Since then, the push to combat drugs has been supported by citizen participation.
Joseph Wilson, a 48-year-old Johnsonville resident, was arrested on August 18, 2025, after the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) through the Gardnerville Satellite Station carried out an operation in which he was found in possession of 74 kg of marijuana, valued at USD 3,330.00 (LD$666,000.00). According to reports, he is a significant drug importer and distributor. He is currently awaiting trial after being moved to LDEA Headquarters in Fiamah, Sinkor.
In a separate search operation, the LDEA reported that they had seized a sizable stash of “Sparke and Die” Kush in the Kendenja Community, along with LD$288,800 in cash that they thought to be drug sales earnings. Many consider this operation to be among the biggest seizures in recent months.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) Support Unit, under the command of LDEA’s Chief of Manpower and Raid, Aaron Karzon (U711), attacked the King Gray Graveyard, a well-known hotspot for drug abuse, on August 20, 2025, and arrested scores of underprivileged youngsters (zogos) and suspected drug sellers. This according to Liberians will help reduce the drugs situation in the country.
