Alonzo, a popular Sierra Leonean-Liberian artist known for his reggae, R&B, and Afrobeats productions, is among four suspects arrested in what authorities say is Liberia’s first recorded attempt to smuggle Methcathinone into the country.
“This marks the first known attempt to introduce Methcathinone into the Liberian market,” the LDEA said in an official statement on August 7, describing the seizure as a significant interception in the country’s fight against emerging drug threats.
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) confirmed the arrests took place on Tuesday, August 5, at about 6:30 p.m. at the Bo Waterside Port of Entry in Grand Cape Mount County.
During a routine vehicle inspection, officers discovered 844 grams of Methcathinone hidden inside the rear door of a blue Nissan Primera bearing license plate A120421. The substance, a synthetic stimulant rarely seen in Liberia, is valued at USD 8,440, equivalent to approximately LRD 1,688,000.
Alonzo, who was born in Liberia to a Sierra Leonean father of Kroo descent, was raised between the two countries. He gained regional attention with his debut studio album Africa Unite. His breakout reggae track “Angel,” which explored long-distance love, became a major hit in Sierra Leone and helped establish his cross-border fame. He has also been associated with campaigns promoting drug awareness and prevention, adding a layer of irony to his arrest.
Also taken into custody were Sierra Leoneans Eariel Xavises Aweti and Samuel R. Grey, and Liberian national Matthew Sherman, a resident of the VOA Community. All four suspects have been turned over to authorities for further investigation and are expected to face prosecution in court.
