Cocaine: Africa's New 'Gold Rush'

The chase for wealth becomes a perpetual game: Beneath the glittering profits, it unearths layers of violence, social and economic ruin, and systemic corruption, where illicit economies bleed into governance, with communities paying the highest price as state authority frays, livelihoods shrink, and cycles of crime deepen, all while criminal cartels jockey for footholds.

Trafficking by organized transnational networks generates substantial revenue for criminal organizations, now amounting to billions of dollars annually.

This concerning trend underscores the urgent need to address and combat these illicit operations.

Recent intercepts in Nigeria, West Africa

The ‘New Gold Rush’ highlights the enormous profits and far-reaching social and economic impacts of the cocaine trade. It has become comparable to historical gold rushes, spurring a fierce competition for wealth and power among criminal organizations. The recent interceptions in Nigeria, West Africa, show how innovative and diversified their trafficking methods are, expanding their reach.

The Nigeria Customs Service, operating at the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) in Lagos, intercepted a substantial cocaine shipment valued at ₦29.4 billion (approximately $235 million) in November 2025.

The drugs, weighing one tonne (1,000 kilograms), were discovered in a 20-foot container (No. GCNU1332851) that had originated from Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The discovery was made during a routine disinfection process of empty containers intended for export, rather than as part of an import shipment.

The suspicious packages were initially identified by the terminal operator, who promptly notified the authorities. This led to a joint investigation by Customs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police Anti-Bomb Squad.

No arrests have been made yet because the container arrived without a consignee or import documentation, making it one of the most mysterious interceptions in the service’s history.

The NDLEA took formal custody of the consignment on Tuesday for further investigation.

Law enforcement agencies from the US and UK have also joined the investigation to trace the origins and network behind the smuggling operation. The case marks the largest single cocaine seizure ever recorded at Tincan Island Port, Lagos, and highlights ongoing efforts to ensure port security and combat illicit drug trafficking.

Liberian Authorities Intercepted Drug Trafficking From Sierra Leone Worth About $77k

At approximately 10:45 PM. on March 17, 2025, Joint Security received a tip-off regarding a black pickup truck with Liberian license plate A533348 transporting narcotics. The vehicle was reportedly traveling from Sierra Leone to Monrovia through Lofa County.

Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency – Public Relations Office | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 17 March 2025

LDEA FOYA DISTRICT INTERCEPTS MAJOR DRUG SHIPMENT WORTH OVER $77k

Foya District, Lofa County - March 17, 2025 – The Joint Security of Foya District, led by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Lofa County Commander and the team has successfully intercepted a significant drug shipment valued at USD 77,200.

At approximately 10:45 PM. on March 17, 2025, Joint Security received a tip-off regarding a black pickup truck with Liberian license plate A533348 transporting narcotics. The vehicle was reportedly traveling from Sierra Leone to Monrovia through Lofa County.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Joint Security team headed by the LDEA intercepted the vehicle and escorted it to the Foya Police Station for a thorough inspection. The driver, identified as Fayiah Lamie, a 43-year-old male from the Mandi tribe and a resident of Monrovia, initially claimed to be transporting only clothes and slippers for sale.

Upon conducting a detailed search of the vehicle, authorities uncovered 772 plates of high-grade marijuana - Estimated street value of(USD 77,200) seventy-seven thousand, two hundred United States dollars (equivalent to 14,668,000 LRD) Fourteen million, six hundred sixty-eight thousand Liberian dollars. 8 boxes of Tramadol estimated street value of (USD 842) eight hundred forty-two United States dollars (equivalent to 160,000 LRD) one hundred sixty thousand Liberian dollars.

Suspect Fayiah Lamie was immediately arrested and is currently undergoing investigation. He is expected to be formally charged and sent to court.

The LDEA remains committed to combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and well-being of Liberians. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

“Drug Bust: In Video”

— Liberia Joint Security Intercepted Huge Consignment in Lofa County!

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