The alarming explosion of illicit drugs in Grand Kru County, has claimed the attention of the Acting Officer-In-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Grand Kru Detachment.
Agent Kessele Wolobah, has therefore, called for united front among community members to curtail the inflow.
Wolobah’s comments come amidst rising concerns over increasing drug-related activities in the county.
Wolobah highlighted the troubling rise in drug usage and trafficking, specifically the reported involvement of the locals.
He attributed the prevalence of drugs in the county to a lack of proactive measures from community dwellers, who he believes, are not doing enough to assist the LDEA in reporting drug dealers, and illicit activities.
“It is crucial for the community to engage actively with us; we cannot fight this battle alone,” Wolobah said.
He spoke of illicit mining activities in the county as a significant contributor to the escalating drug challenges.
He underscored the link between such illegal operations, and the drug trade, suggesting that the chaos associated with unregulated mining serves as a foundation for various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and use.
In a related development, 26 officers from the Agency, but assigned in the county, were awarded certificates after completing a week-long intensive training program.
The training was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and implemented by the LDEA.
The training aimed to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement personnel in tackling the growing challenges associated with the illicit drug trade.
Fred G. Souh, the chief trainer, elaborated on the complexities involved in drug enforcement, adding that addressing these challenges require a collaborative effort.