By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
MONROVIA – A Kenyan national, Larnard Bonancy Arondo, has been found guilty on all charges related to a foiled attempt to smuggle heroin valued at USD 388,890 through Liberia’s Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The landmark verdict—delivered this week—follows a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), and marks a significant step in Liberia’s intensifying fight against narcotics trafficking.
Arondo was convicted on three counts: importation of drugs, criminal conspiracy, and facilitation. The court has given the defendant four days to respond following the ruling.
The arrest took place on February 1, 2025, after Arondo arrived at RIA aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET-933 from Thailand.
A routine security screening led to the discovery of 8.642 kilograms of heroin concealed in her luggage. She was apprehended alongside a Liberian national, Abel S. Gbedia.
Authorities say the street value of the seized heroin is nearly USD 400,000, underscoring the scale and severity of the trafficking attempt.
A Boost for Liberia’s Anti-Drug Campaign
The conviction has been hailed as a victory by the LDEA, especially coming just weeks after the nationwide “Say No to Drugs” campaign launched on August 7, 2025.
The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the devastating impact of drug abuse and trafficking on Liberian society.
The LDEA’s current Interim Management Team, led by DCP Fitzgerald T.M. Biago (Officer-in-Charge), Mr. Ernest T. Tarpeh (Deputy for Administration/Investigation), and ACP Patrick B. Kormazu (Deputy for Operations), praised the outcome of the case.
In a joint statement, the team reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice in all drug-related cases, both past and ongoing.
“This conviction reflects our mandate to crack down on drug traffickers and uphold the rule of law. It sends a strong message that Liberia is not a safe haven for narcotics smugglers,” the LDEA leadership stated.
The public, especially families affected by drug abuse, has widely welcomed the news, viewing it as a critical move toward a safer and drug-free Liberia.
