In a bold move to address Liberia’s escalating drug crisis, the Ministry of Health has declared a nationwide moratorium on the sale and distribution of Tramadol and Shisha, effective August 22, 2025. The announcement comes as part of the government’s broader effort to confront what has been declared a national public health emergency.
Citing the devastating impact of substance abuse on young people, families, and communities, Minister of Health Dr. Louise M. Kpoto announced the decision on Thursday, invoking Part V, Chapter 41 of the Public Health Law (Control of Narcotic Drugs). This section of the law strictly prohibits the possession, sale, or distribution of both prescriptive and non-prescriptive narcotic drugs without a permit issued by the Liberian Pharmacy Board and approved by the Minister of Health.
Key Provisions Under the Moratorium
• Tramadol:
• Usage is now strictly limited to licensed hospital settings under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.
• All sale and distribution outside these settings is prohibited.
• Shisha (Hookah/Waterpipe):
• Now completely banned in both public and private spaces, including bars, nightclubs, homes, and other recreational venues.
• Violations of this moratorium will result in:
• Immediate arrest
• Revocation of licenses
• Seizure of products and related equipment.
According to the Ministry, Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, has become Liberia’s most widely abused drug, driving addiction, mental health crises, violent crime, and the breakdown of families. Despite its legitimate medical use for pain relief, it is frequently sold illicitly on the streets and consumed recreationally, often in combination with other substances.
Meanwhile, Shisha smoking, often falsely perceived as a harmless alternative to cigarettes, contains extremely high levels of nicotine and cancer-causing agents. Health officials warn that its growing popularity among youth is contributing to rising cases of lung disease, heart complications, and lifelong addiction.
“The abuse of these substances is destroying families, destabilizing communities, and threatening the future of Liberia’s young people,” said Dr. Kpoto in the official statement. “This moratorium is a decisive and non-negotiable step to save lives and safeguard national stability.”
The Ministry also highlighted several other controlled opioids and pain medications now under closer scrutiny, including:
• Heroin
• Hydromorphone
• Oxycodone
• Methadone
• Fentanyl
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Pentazocine
• Tramadol
The Ministry of Health is calling on:
• Health professionals to strictly follow national prescription and dispensing regulations.
• Pharmacy operators and wholesalers to fully comply with the moratorium or face legal consequences.
• Community leaders, parents, educators, and religious institutions to take an active role in public awareness and youth protection.
• Law enforcement agencies to enforce the moratorium with full authority and urgency.
Dr. Kpoto emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in response to Liberia’s growing drug epidemic, stating:
“Liberia is in the grip of a dangerous drug crisis. We will not back down. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with our national partners, will enforce this law to its fullest extent to protect our youth and our future.”
The declaration is seen as one of the most aggressive anti-drug policies in recent years and is expected to trigger further legislation and inter-agency collaboration in the weeks to come.
