Africa-Press – Liberia. By: Kruah Thompson
Mohamed Kieta, 26, who was arrested for allegedly running a primary drug dealing network in Fiamah, Sinkor, and surrounding areas, has been released from Monrovia Central Prison, months after his detention by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
Although the reason for his release remains undisclosed, Sources close to the case told this publication that Kieta was released due to insufficient evidence from the LDEA.
This publication observed that Kieta was not pictured with the seized drugs in any of the photos released by the agency. In one image attached to the LDEA’s statement, he is seen wearing a t-shirt, but without the confiscated substances. Standard DEA procedures suggest that alleged perpetrators should be photographed with seized items, a step seemingly omitted in Kieta’s case.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the LDEA announced that Kieta was apprehended “in hot pursuit” and found in possession of 93 grams of Kush, with a street value of LRD 353,400 (approximately USD 1,860), at his scrap business in Fiamah.
But contrary to the LDEA statement, sources close to Kieta told our reporter that he voluntarily went to the LDEA office with his lawyer, contradicting the agency’s Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CA7Lgzya6/
Following his arrest, the LDEA put out a release publication that Kieta was investigated, charged, and brought before the City Court on September 26, 2025, where He was subsequently processed and sent to Central Prison.
At the time, the LDEA noted that under current drug laws, the offense was classified as a non bailable crime and assured the public that updates on Kieta’s case, and others like it, would be provided as they proceed through the court system. Yet, barely two months later, Kieta has been released, along with several associates arrested during the same operation at his shop in Sinkor, while the LDEA has remained tight- lipped on the matter.
However, prior to his arrest on September 27, 2025, Kieta had been named a “person of interest” in LDEA operations targeting ghetto areas in Liberia. The agency reportedly assigned agents to monitor his scrap iron shops in Sinkor, which were allegedly used as distribution points for his network.
“I live here and work with him. He regularly buys scrap iron from at-risk youth, commonly called ‘Zogo.’ Some of these youths, being involved with drugs, often use the money from selling iron to purchase drugs. Dealers also come to buy from him. He has been doing this for years,” a community member told this publication.
The Community members said this was not Kieta’s first encounter with law enforcement. On several occasions, agents allegedly seized large sums of money from him but later released him.
Residents further claimed that some LDEA agents who were assigned to monitor the area during the incident were caught stealing air conditioners and scrap iron from Kieta’s shop. They further said it was no surprise to them to see Kieta return.
Efforts to reach Kieta for comment were unsuccessful. However, in a telephone interview with this publication, Orlando Demey, the head of public religion at LDEA, said he was unaware of any release and stated that Mohamed remains behind bars.
Demey added that if Mohamed were released, it would likely be through a court decision. He maintained that, to his knowledge, Mohamed has remained in custody since he was turned over.
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