Montserrado County District # 12 Representative, Jerry K. Yogboh, has voiced his strong opposition to the imposition of capital punishment for drug traffickers in Liberia. Instead, he is advocating for a significant boost in the budget for the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to enhance its capacity in the fight against drug trafficking.
Representative Yogboh described the death penalty as a violation of human rights, asserting, “I will not sign onto legislation that will lead to the death penalty.”
He emphasized that the focus should be on empowering the LDEA with adequate resources rather than resorting to extreme punitive measures. “The LDEA is not equipped. How can officers of the Agency go arrest drugs traffickers on Motorcycle?” He wondered.
Representative Yogboh highlighted the dire lack of logistical support for the agency, stressing that officers in his district are often forced to rely on inadequate transportation methods, such as ‘kekeh’ (tri-cycles) or overcrowded pickups during operations, severely hindering their effectiveness in combating drug-related crimes.
He criticized the government for its insufficient logistical and budgetary support for the LDEA, urging his colleagues in the Legislature to prioritize funding for the agency. “Let’s put more money into the budget to fight drugs because drugs are killing our children,” he declared, underscoring the urgent need for action in light of the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse among Liberia’s youth.
The lawmaker proposed that the LDEA’s budget should rank among the top three agencies in terms of funding, stating, “If you ask me today, the LDEA budget, if not the second, will be the third agency to carry the highest amount in the budget.”
Meanwhile, the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), with the support of the Liberia National Police (LNP), has intercepted a substantial cache of narcotics in the Peace Land Community in Brewerville.
The law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at a residence in the area, resulting in the seizure of more than three pickup loads of illegal drugs. The operation marked one of the largest drug busts in the region in recent years, underscoring the ongoing battle against narcotics and trafficking in the country.
This operation demonstrates the agency commitment to tackling drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety of the communities, as the LDEA continues to collaborate with its partners in law enforcement to eradicate the drug menace in Liberia.”
Community members expressed relief as the news of the drug bust, voicing concerns about the impact of narcotics on local youth and public safety. “We are grateful to the LDEA and the police for their swift action. Drugs have been a big problem around here, and we hope this will deter others,” said a local resident.
The LDEA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking. As the investigation continues, authorities are hopeful that this operation will pave the way for further successes in the fight against drug trafficking and contribute to a safer environment for all Liberians.