Liberia’s LMHRA seizes unregistered medicines at Mendicorma border

LIBERIA—The Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), working with joint security forces and the Lofa County Pharmacist, has confiscated a consignment of unregistered medicines valued at about L$2.2 million (US$8,930) at the Mendicorma Border.

The consignment, which originated in neighboring Sierra Leone, contained 44 cartons of Reality Extra D, a pharmaceutical product containing diclofenac sodium 50 mg.

The LMHRA Region 2 team carried out the seizure in coordination with border security personnel and county health authorities.

According to Dr. Andrew Keagon, Manager of LMHRA Region 2, the operation reflects the Authority’s efforts to prevent unauthorized medicines from entering the Liberian market.

“We will continue to strengthen our surveillance systems and work closely with border security and other relevant authorities to ensure that only quality-assured medicines enter and circulate in the Liberian market,” Dr. Keagon said.

Concerns over unregistered medicines

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

However, medicines must meet regulatory requirements for quality, safety, efficacy and appropriate use before they can be legally marketed.

The LMHRA said the circulation of unregistered medicines can expose consumers to products whose quality, safety or effectiveness has not been established through the country’s regulatory processes.

The Authority commended the security personnel stationed at the Mendicorma Border and the Lofa County Pharmacist for supporting the seizure.

The operation also involved cooperation between regulatory, health and security authorities responsible for monitoring products entering the country.

LMHRA said it will continue surveillance, inspection and enforcement activities at major border entry points as part of its regulatory mandate.

The Authority regulates the manufacture, importation, distribution and use of medicines and other health products in Liberia.

Enforcement operations continue

The Mendicorma seizure follows other enforcement activities conducted by the LMHRA to address the distribution of adulterated, substandard, falsified and unregistered medicines.

In May 2026, the LMHRA Region 2 team conducted inspection and enforcement operations in Bong County.

The exercise resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit, adulterated and substandard medicines with an estimated market value of L$400,000 (US$1,624).

The LMHRA has urged members of the public, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical businesses and other stakeholders to report suspected illegal or suspicious medicines to the Authority.

It also advised consumers to obtain medicines and health products only from licensed and authorized suppliers.

The Authority is responsible for regulating, inspecting and controlling medicines and health products in Liberia and for ensuring that products available on the market comply with established standards for quality, safety, efficacy and regulatory requirements.

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