LDEA's First Operation Under AB Kromah Nets Nine Arrests Major Drug Cartel Bust in Sayon Town:

Monrovia-The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has initiated it first  operations in Saywon Town, Bushrod Island, marking a significant step in combating drug trafficking in the area. Led by LDEA Boss Abraham Kromah, accompanied by his dedicated team, launched its first drug raid with a formidable convoy of Toyota, Nissan Wrangler Pickup, and Jeep vehicles. Residents of Sayon Town gathered to witness AB Kromah and his capable team take decisive action to eradicate narcotics from their community."

Several Narcotic Substances

LDEA First operation Under AB Kromah got the arrest of nine Liberian-based Nigerian nationals and two Liberians suspected of running a drug cartel in Sayon Town on Bushrod Island.

Newly confirmed LDEA Boss Col. Abraham Kromah led LDEA agents in the operation late Wednesday afternoon, 21 February 2024 as residents cheered on.

Liberians saw the arrest as a significant breakthrough in the nation’s fight against illicit drugs in the wake of a growing population of young people who are going wayward due to drug abuse.

Drug Suspects Arrested By LDEA officers 

Among those arrested were two female Liberians identified as Hawa Tamba, aged 28, and Shelly Sheaton, aged 17.

These two ladies are being held by authorities for allegedly facilitating the illicit drug deal in the community.

The Nigerian suspects facing investigation are George Ikpehehukwu, alias Original Japan who is alleged to be an Auto-parts dealer, and Mr. Sunday Odeh.

Others are Peter Momat, Edwin Ozioko, Brigston Harris, Iglwe David, Ndubuis Okoronkwo, China Ekwe, and Efam Jamo.

Briefing reporters shortly after the arrest, LDEA Director Col. Abraham Kromah said the alleged drug dealers, including notorious drug dealer George Ikpehehukwu, alias “Original Japan” were tracked down by agents of the LDEA after a tip-off received from an unnamed whistleblower.

Col. Kromah said the suspects were arrested in smooth strike-actions to clamp down on the increase of narcotic substances here.

He said the smooth-strike action was part of the LDEA’s mission to buttress government efforts to fight against illicit drug abuse in the country and hunt down traffickers.

According to Col. Kromah, the alleged drug cartel is being investigated by the Liberia National Police (LNP).

According to him, the suspects were found with a huge percentage of cocaine, heroin, and tramadol, among other narcotic substances worth around Five Million Liberian dollars.

Meanwhile, the LDEA Boss pleaded with the Government of Liberia to increase budgetary support to the LDEA to boost the agency’s operations.

“We will not cease in this fight against drugs because this situation is affecting [a] number of people, especially our youth,” Col. Kromah said.

“You see people of Sayon Town were living in fear of the criminal rate because the drug users after taking the drugs will hijack innocent people and take away their property. This is [a] war we must fight together,” Col. Kromah said.

This is our first operation and [we] will continue even more with strengthening team of agents across the country and I’m going to ensure those who are arrested today are fully prosecuted by the law of this country,” he added.

Residents of Sayon Town commanded the LDEA for the smooth operation which they said will provide relief to their community.

At the same time, the alleged perpetrators behind the drug activities in Sayon Town, suspect George Ikpehehukwu, said he was innocent of the alleged drug cartel.

He noted that he knows nothing about the illicit drug trade in the community.

During the first operation under AB Kromah's leadership, the LDEA successfully apprehended nine Liberian-based Nigerian nationals and two Liberians suspected of operating a drug cartel in Sayon Town on Bushrod Island. Colonel Abraham Kromah, the newly confirmed LDEA Boss, led the operation late Wednesday afternoon, February 21, 2024, amid cheers from residents.

 The arrests were hailed as a significant breakthrough in Liberia's fight against illicit drugs, particularly concerning the escalating issue of drug abuse among the youth. Among those detained were two female Liberians, Hawa Tamba, 28, and Shelly Sheaton, 17, held for their alleged involvement in facilitating illicit drug deals in the community.

 The Nigerian suspects under investigation include George Ikpehehukwu, known as "Original Japan," allegedly an auto-parts dealer, and Mr. Sunday Odeh, along with Peter Momat, Edwin Ozioko, Brigston Harris, Iglwe David, Ndubuis Okoronkwo, China Ekwe, and Efam Jamo.

 Following the arrests, Col. Kromah briefed reporters, stating that the alleged drug dealers, including notorious figure "Original Japan," were apprehended based on information provided by an anonymous whistleblower. He emphasized that the arrests were part of the LDEA's commitment to supporting government efforts in combating illicit drug abuse and trafficking.

 The alleged drug cartel is currently under investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP). The suspects were reportedly found in possession of a significant quantity of cocaine, heroin, tramadol, and other narcotics, valued at approximately Five Million Liberian dollars.

 Col. Kromah urged the Liberian government to increase budgetary support for the LDEA to enhance the agency's operations, stressing the importance of continuing the fight against drug-related crimes, particularly for the well-being of the youth and communities affected.

 Residents of Sayon Town expressed gratitude for the successful operation, hoping for a safer community environment. Meanwhile, George Ikpehehukwu, one of the suspects, maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the alleged drug activities within the community."