Kailondo Group Distances Itself From Drug Bust
….Calls for Full Investigation
By J. Amos Harris
Kailondo Group International has clarified that it was the victim of a criminal scheme after a petroleum tanker linked to the company was seized by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) in Grand Cape Mount County with illicit substances on board.
The company disclosed that the truck, intercepted on September 25 at the Tiene checkpoint, had been officially decommissioned and was not authorized for operation.
According to management, the vehicle had been inactive and parked in Johnsonville for more than two months following the termination of its assigned drivers.
Preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was illegally removed without the knowledge or consent of management.
An individual identified as “Cassee,” a petroleum distributor with no formal ties to Kailondo Group, allegedly orchestrated the unauthorized use of the tanker by exploiting connections with a mechanic occasionally hired for repairs.
“This is a clear case of fraudulent misuse of our corporate assets,” said CEO Cllr. George B. Kailondo in a statement.
“We categorically condemn any activities related to the illegal drug trade and have cooperated fully with the LDEA since we were first informed.”
The company expressed suspicion over why a dormant Kailondo vehicle was used, particularly as the third-party entity allegedly involved, Petrol Trade, operates its own fleet of distribution trucks.
Management described the incident as a “deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of a longstanding Liberian business institution.”
Kailondo Group has commended the LDEA for its swift action but called for a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the full facts and bring all perpetrators to justice.
“For over three decades, Kailondo Group International has built its operations on lawfulness, ethical conduct, and a commitment to national development,” the statement added.
“We trust that the investigation will confirm our company and leadership as unwitting victims in this criminal scheme.”
The case remains under active investigation by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency…..Calls for Full Investigation
By J. Amos Harris
Kailondo Group International has clarified that it was the victim of a criminal scheme after a petroleum tanker linked to the company was seized by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) in Grand Cape Mount County with illicit substances on board.
The company disclosed that the truck, intercepted on September 25 at the Tiene checkpoint, had been officially decommissioned and was not authorized for operation.
According to management, the vehicle had been inactive and parked in Johnsonville for more than two months following the termination of its assigned drivers.
Preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was illegally removed without the knowledge or consent of management.
An individual identified as “Cassee,” a petroleum distributor with no formal ties to Kailondo Group, allegedly orchestrated the unauthorized use of the tanker by exploiting connections with a mechanic occasionally hired for repairs.
“This is a clear case of fraudulent misuse of our corporate assets,” said CEO Cllr. George B. Kailondo in a statement.
“We categorically condemn any activities related to the illegal drug trade and have cooperated fully with the LDEA since we were first informed.”
The company expressed suspicion over why a dormant Kailondo vehicle was used, particularly as the third-party entity allegedly involved, Petrol Trade, operates its own fleet of distribution trucks.
Management described the incident as a “deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of a longstanding Liberian business institution.”
Kailondo Group has commended the LDEA for its swift action but called for a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the full facts and bring all perpetrators to justice.
“For over three decades, Kailondo Group International has built its operations on lawfulness, ethical conduct, and a commitment to national development,” the statement added.
“We trust that the investigation will confirm our company and leadership as unwitting victims in this criminal scheme.” The case remains under active investigation by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.
Following a September 25, 2025, drug bust by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), a fuel tanker owned by businessman George B. Kailondo’s company was discovered carrying 40 cartons of the banned opioid Tramadol. The incident has prompted an investigation by the LDEA into how the vehicle was used for drug trafficking.
Details of the incident
The LDEA intercepted a Kailondo Petroleum fuel tanker at the Tieni checkpoint in Grand Cape Mount County. The subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 40 cartons of Tramadol.
Shortly after the seizure, Kailondo confirmed that the tanker belonged to his company but denied any connection to the drugs found on board. He claimed the tanker was taken on a trip from Monrovia to Grand Cape Mount without his consent or knowledge.
The LDEA has formally invited Kailondo to appear at its headquarters for questioning. An LDEA spokesperson stated that the agency would “investigate every link” and is probing whether Kailondo knowingly allowed his trucks to be used by his fuel network for illicit purposes. The driver and another suspect are reportedly in custody.
The seizure is part of a larger, heightened nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking in Liberia. In August 2025, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto banned the sale and distribution of Tramadol and shisha, citing a dangerous drug epidemic in the country
