Police officers assigned in Grand Kru County have reportedly impounded a truck loaded with over 1,000 bags of 25-kilograms rice.
The impoundment, according to the Inprofile Daily newspaper correspondent, was led by the county Police Commander Clement Barllat.
According to Barllat, the operation part of ongoing efforts to uphold government’s moratorium aimed at regulating heavy traffic along the 75-kilometer corridor from Barclayville to Pleebo, Maryland County.
The impounded truck, was reportedly exceeding the legal load limits. It was intercepted following a tipoff from concerned citizens, prompting an immediate investigation into the legitimacy of its consignment.
Commander Barllat, who underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, called on other security agencies to assist the police in enforcing the moratorium.
In his appeal, Barllat spoke of the need for a concerted effort between the various security and transport stakeholders to protect infrastructures and livelihoods in the southeast.
“The enforcement of this moratorium is vital, not only for the safety of our roads, but also to support the local economy, and ensure that fair transport practices are upheld,” said Commander Barllat.
“We have therefore called on our counterparts in the customs and transport sectors to work with us to better manage this situation.”
The road corridor from Barclayville to Pleebo, has long been a critical artery for trade and commerce in the county. The government moratorium aims to prevent the deterioration of this route, which has seen increased deplorable condition due to the downpour and also the heavy traffic.
The constraints imposed by the moratorium are intended to mitigate the impact of overloaded vehicles, which can cause serious damage to roads and pose risks for other travelers.
Local residents have echoed Barllat’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the police action, while urging continued vigilance against overloading and unregulated transport.
They believe that a reduction in heavy truck traffic will enhance road safety and potentially lower transportation costs for goods in the region.
Additionally, the police have announced plans for increased patrols and checkpoints to monitor compliance with the moratorium, to ensure that vehicle loads are within acceptable limit.