As The Narcotic Drugs Menace Goes Risse In This Country
By King Brwon, Sarwahking@gmail.com
BUCHANAN, Liberia-In a grim turn of events in Moor Town Community in the southern port city of Buchanan, a 39-year-old man has been pronounced dead, after reportedly consuming what locals refer to as the ‘zombie’ drug—an emerging menace that enter Liberia since the beginning of this year.
This is the latest in a series of reports of youths being fatally overcome by narcotic substances including “Zombi” and the other one called “Kush” around this West African country in recent times, a menace President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has declared a “national health emergency”.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through the community, drawing the attention of residents and onlookers alike.
The deceased, identified as Samuel Quaqou from Rivercess County, met his tragic end under a makeshift structure, lying on a mattress covered with a white bed sheet.
His friend, Emmanuel Johnson, recounted the events leading to the demise, stating that they had traveled from Rivercess County to Buchanan to sell a fishing canoe.
Upon arrival, they visited a local area known as “Paul Block” in Moor Town Community, where they allegedly indulged in the dangerous ‘zombie’ drug.
According to Johnson, shortly after parting ways with Samuel, he received a distressing call informing him that his friend was in critical condition. Rushing back, Johnson found Samuel lifeless—a victim of what appears to be a lethal reaction to the narcotic substance.
Emmanuel Johnson, visibly shaken, admitted that he and Samuel were part of a group of addicts who tested various substances including marijuana, heroin, Kush, and the newly surfaced ‘zombie’ drug. Despite their familiarity with narcotics, Samuel’s sudden death has left Johnson in disbelief and mourning.
Emmanuel Johnson, friend of the deceased explaining his friend’s tragic passing
The family of the deceased, upon being notified, instructed Johnson and his associates to transport Samuel’s body back to Rivercess County. However, due to financial constraints, Samuel’s lifeless body remained abandoned in the Old Field area—a poignant symbol of the challenges faced by families affected by drug-related tragedies.
The emergence of the ‘zombie’ drug in Liberia has raised serious concerns among authorities.
On Friday, May 9, 2024, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Director General, Col. Abraham Kromah, confirmed the presence of this potent new substance, describing it as more dangerous than previously known narcotics like Kush. Despite efforts by law enforcement to trace its origins and curb its spread, the drug has already claimed the lives of several young people across communities in Buchanan.
As the county grapples with these tragic losses, both the LDEA and medical authorities are under pressure to provide clarity on the exact cause of death in these cases. While public perception points to the ‘zombie’ drug as the culprit, official statements confirming these suspicions have yet to be issued.
The death of Samuel Quaqou serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of drug abuse and the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies to combat the spread of deadly narcotics like the ‘zombie’ drug in Liberia.