By Augustine Octavius-augustineoctavius@gmail.com
After making one of its biggest ever sweeps, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has burnt illicit drugs worth over 98 billion Liberian Dollars or over 600 million US dollars near the capital, Monrovia.
The cocaine, heroin and other dangerous narcotic drugs, which were seized over the last several months, were publicly burnt at the Ebola incrimination site located along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway. Speaking to the media during the burning of the drugs, LDEA Director General, Colonel Marcus Soko said the media and partners were brought in to witness the destruction in order to exhibit transparency.
He added that the drugs were seized from various parts of Liberia from people who were either trafficking or selling them.
Mr. Soko pointed out that the seizure of large quantity of illicit drugs was made despite the lack of resources and logistics in combating the spread of this menace.
The Drug Enforcement Agency’s boss appealed to the government and international partners for support for the LDEA and more funding, in order to enhance the war on drugs in Liberia.
He explained that the LDEA has already scrutinized 510 people willing to join his agency, but they were waiting for funding so as to send these applicants for training The burning of drugs was witnessed by representatives of the United Nations Office Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia national Police, among others.
UNODC donates logistics
Meanwhile, the UNODC has donated five motorcycles and ten scanners to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency to combat the spread of illicit drugs in the country.
Presenting the items earlier this week, UNODC Focal Person, Jose Alvarey said the donation of the bikes and scanners is part of the UN’s way of empowering the LDEA.
He assured the LDEA will continue to support with logistics and training in the midst of challenges facing the institution and its officers.
Receiving the bikes and the scanners, the Director General of the LDEA, Colonel Marcus Soko, thanked the UNODC for the donation and assured them that these item will be used for the intended purpose.
He appealed to other partners to emulate the good example of the UNODC because the LDEA will ensure that it raid this country out of dangerous substances.