By By: Contributing Writer
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – A 61-year-old taxi driver is in police custody after Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) officers intercepted a major narcotics shipment valued at more than USD 55,000 during a routine checkpoint operation.
The suspect, Michael Wallace, was arrested on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Owens Grove checkpoint following an intelligence alert that a vehicle transporting illegal substances was en route to Buchanan.
According to Special Agent Grade 2 Frederick T. Theo, LDEA Commander for Grand Bassa, officers conducted a search of Wallace’s taxi — TX 11686 — where they discovered a sealed carton containing:
- 1 plate of cocaine (1 kg) valued at USD 54,000
- 19 parcels of compressed marijuana (12.7 kg) valued at USD 1,270
The total street value of the drugs amounts to USD 55,270, equivalent to LRD 10.5 million.
Commander Theo confirmed that Wallace, a well-known taxi operator in the area, has been detained and will face formal charges in court once the agency concludes its preliminary investigation.
During questioning, Wallace insisted he had no knowledge of the carton’s contents. He claimed the package was handed to him at ELWA Junction, Monrovia, by an unidentified man who said it contained eggs destined for Buchanan. Wallace said he was told someone would contact him to collect the package upon arrival.
Despite expressing regret and pleading for mercy, the LDEA says the matter will be forwarded to the judiciary for prosecution.
The interception marks one of the largest narcotics seizures in Grand Bassa this year, as the LDEA continues to intensify efforts against drug trafficking networks operating across the county.
