By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s Nimba County detachment has made a significant bust, arresting two youngsters, Jeremiah Yarkpawolo, 29, a mechanic, and Morris Kromah, 23, a motorcyclist, with a huge quantity of tramadol valued at over 940,000 Liberian dollars (approximately $5,222 USD).
Special Agent and Deputy County Commander, Arizo Nimely, revealed that the suspects, both Liberians from Gbarnga, Bong County, were apprehended based on intelligence reports.
According to Nimely, the suspects had traveled to neighboring Guinea through the Ganta border to purchase the tramadol, cleverly concealing it in a car tyre on a motorbike. “They took the tramadol and placed it in a car tyre, put the wheel ring, and pumped the tyre, but based on our information, we were able to apprehend the two men,” Nimely explained.
The suspects face charges of illegal possession, importation (trafficking), and sale/distribution of controlled substances in Liberia and are undergoing a full investigation to be forwarded to court in accordance with the amended drug law of Liberia for prosecution.
The arrests occurred on November 19, at approximately 8:15 a.m., after officers discovered 47 packs (470 strips) of Tramadol concealed inside a used car tyre. The suspects were intercepted while transporting the substance from Guinea into Liberia through the Tonwin Sub-Port in Ganta.
This arrest is part of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the country. In 2025 alone, the agency sent 10 cases to court, with two convictions and eight pending trials.
The agency’s crackdown on drug trafficking has been intensified, with recent arrests and seizures of narcotics, including tramadol, kush, and heroin. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency is working to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks, protecting Liberia’s youth from the dangers of substance abuse.
