Vows To Crack Down On Narcotic Drugs Dealers In The Area And Locals React
PHOTO: New LDEA Commander, Gilbert Roberts
By J. Peter S. Dennis, dennisrealone@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia—President Joseph Boakai’s fight against narcotic drugs trafficking and abuse looks like an uphill, as this menace has become entrenched in the Liberian society.
The newly assigned Bong County Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Commander, Special Agent Gilbert Roberts has branded Bong County as “dirty” with regard to the intake and trafficking of illicit drugs.
But Special Agent Roberts has also vowed to curtail the threat under his leadership.
While the local command posts are being filled, the national high command of the LDEA has been in tatters in recent times, amid violent feud among the Director General Abraham Kromah and his two deputies, something that led President Boakai to suspend the trio last week. With one of the senior officers, Christopher Peters appointed as officer-in-charge, President Boakai described the chaos at the LDEA headquarters in Monrovia as “unacceptable”.
During his official takeover ceremony, the newly assigned LDEA Bong Commander, Gilbert Roberts was optimistic about combating the intake and trafficking of illicit drugs in Bong County given his track record at his previous assignment.
Agent Roberts was previously assigned in Margibi County as LDEA Commander.
“In Margibi County, we used strategies to combat drugs. So, we will use these same strategies to control drugs in the county,” he told journalists in Gbarnga.
Special Agent Roberts also bragged of using his strategies in Margibi that led to a significant fight against illicit substances.
At the same time, the new LDEA Commander in Bong County wants residents of this central Liberian County to join him in the fight against illicit substances for the betterment of the county.
Citizens’ reaction
After his pronouncement, many residents of Bong called on Commander Roberts to stick to his promises in the interest of the county.
They cautioned him not to side with the drugs traffickers who are financially strong.
Top LDEA officials’ involvement in illicit drugs
Last year, three senior LDEA officers in Bong were reported involved into drugs syndicate where they were heard having discussions with some drugs dealers in David Dean’s Town, electoral district #1.
The three officials are Joseph Gokor, county commander, Prince S. Boimah, OPS and Jerry S. Walker, deputy commander.
They were reportedly heard in a leaked audio asking the drugs dealers to pack off and pay a fine of 150k as a farewell- a figure the reported drugs dealers noted “is high” thus calling for a reduction.
In the leaked audio, the three officers were also heard asking for percentage every two weeks of sale and forwarded to Gbarnga through the LDEA agent in David Dean’s town.
The discussion dominated by a voice believed to be Joseph Gokor, former Bong County Commander, is clearly heard requesting for plastic to place something in to it.
This paper hasn’t verified what was being placed within the plastic.
“Since the drugs have been passed, we want your to leave and go anywhere. We’ll not arrest your. Your go and bring 150 thousand as fine. Besides, your will bring percentage after every two weeks to the office (Gbarnga),” a voice believed to be Commander Gokor was heard in the audio.
“Those who will refuse, I will get my men chasing and arresting them. Just let us know, I will send my men after them,” the voice warned.
However, in the audio, the drug dealers listed challenges they are faced with in the drug dealing business to include but not limited to the lack of customers in Dean’s Town, Bong County and the fact that Karyee Town in Nimba which is not far from Dean’s Town in terms of distance, has now become the booming center for the drug trade in that region.
They have since been called in Monrovia for questioning. There are unconfirmed reports that Headquarters is expected to reassign them.
What the drugs law says?
In Section 22.103. Functions of Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, the law states amongst other things that the LDEA shall:
(a) formulate, monitor and coordinate national programs for combating illicit drug product trafficking and drug money laundering;
(d) prevent and suppress illicit trafficking and unauthorized use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances or controlled drugs;
In Section 22.104. Powers and Duties of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, the LDEA Act states that the LDEA shall:
(a) undertake, coordinate, collaborate and facilitate the efficient and effective enforcement of the provisions of the Controlled Drug and Substances Law and any other anti-drug legislation under the Penal Law relative to unlawful acts involving any controlled drug and substances, precursor and essential chemical, and investigate alleged violators;
(b) investigate alleged drug offenses;
(c) arrest and apprehend as well as search all alleged violators and seize for the purpose of confiscation, the effects or proceeds of the crimes as provided by law and take custody thereof.