In a major anti-narcotics operation highlighting intensified drug enforcement efforts in southeastern Liberia, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has arrested a 45-year-old Nigerian national, George Uce, following the seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs at his residence in Pleebo City, Maryland County.
The arrest took place on January 30, 2026, after LDEA officers, acting on intelligence, carried out a joint operation with other security agencies. During a search of Uce's residence, officers reportedly discovered approximately 248.2 grams of assorted illegal substances hidden in his bedroom.
Security personnel and journalists who witnessed the operation said the seized drugs have an estimated street value exceeding US$9,729, making the bust one of the most significant in the county in recent months.
Following his arrest, Uce strongly denied the allegations, insisting that the drugs did not belong to him.
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"I am not a drug dealer and have no knowledge of these drugs," he said during a post-arrest interview. "The LDEA County Commander brought them from a nearby bush and placed them in my bedroom. This is my first time facing any such accusation. I am innocent."
Preliminary investigations reportedly took an unexpected turn when investigators observed photographs of Uce displayed at the LDEA Inspector General's office in Monrovia.
The office routinely posts images of suspected drug traffickers alongside seized contraband as part of public awareness and deterrence campaigns. Sources familiar with the matter expressed surprise at the prior documentation, raising questions about whether Uce may have previously been under surveillance or investigation.
Responding to the suspect's claims, the Maryland County LDEA Commander dismissed allegations of wrongdoing and emphasized adherence to due process.
"Following thorough investigations by our officers and joint security partners, Mr. Uce will be formally charged and arraigned in court with comprehensive evidence," the commander stated. No specific timeline for the filing of charges was provided, but authorities confirmed that investigations remain ongoing.
Eyewitnesses, including members of the joint security team and journalists at the scene, confirmed that the seized items included 86.3 grams of raw heroin valued at approximately US$4,940, 54.9 grams of mixed heroin valued at about US$2,470.50, 39.2 grams of raw cocaine estimated at US$2,116.80, 67 grams of precursor substances valued at US$201, and one wrap of marijuana valued at L$1.00.
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Authorities noted that the presence of both hard drugs and precursor substances raises concerns about possible links to wider drug distribution or manufacturing networks.
Pleebo City, a busy trading hub near Liberia's border with Côte d'Ivoire, has experienced increased LDEA patrols as part of a broader response to rising drug interdictions in southeastern Liberia.
Law enforcement officials say international trafficking networks continue to exploit porous border routes, contributing to the spread of narcotics that fuel crime and youth addiction.
Officials disclosed that Maryland County recorded several similar drug busts last year, reinforcing national efforts to clamp down on narcotics trafficking.
The LDEA has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as investigations into Uce's case continue, with further updates expected as legal proceedings advance.
