07/03/2024
British Ambassador Neil Bradley pays a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency has received in audience the British Ambassador to Monrovia, Ambassador Neil Bradley at the Headquarters of the LDEA.
The Ambassador paid the courtesy visit on Wednesday , March 6, as part of his mission to extend partnership.
The visit which is the first of its kind from the British government, was greeted and welcome by the full authority of the LDEA.
LDEA Director General , Hon. Abraham S. Kromah, the Deputy Director for Administration, Hon. Gbawou Kowou, the Operation Director, Hon. Alhasan Fadiga and a host of other departments and sectional Heads were amongst authority that welcome the British Ambassador.
According to Ambassador Bradley, the visit is in keeping with his government's plan to expand bilateral relationship to key sectors of government as a way of strengthening support and friendship to the government and people of Liberia.
He mentioned the importance for ensuring collaboration and cooperation with the government, particularly, in the area of security and the rule of law as one of the reasons for his visit.
According to statement issued by Michael Jipply, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at the LDEA, Ambassador Bradley expressed concern over the wave of drug trafficking and abuse in Liberia, the challenges faced by the LDEA and the need to consolidate efforts in strengthening security, the rule of law and the cherished democratic credentials of Liberia. He particularly extended compliments over the governance of the state and the peaceful transfer of power from one democratically elected government to the other. According to him, promoting security and maintaining the rule of law is key to upholding peace and good governance.
The Ambassador used the occasion to recount the British government's support to Liberia, which he said, is part of efforts to strengthen the long standing relationship between the two countries. He mentioned their support to Liberia security sector reform, the provision of additional and specialized trainings for the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Liberia National Police and other hands-on support as some of the interventions of his government to Liberia.
He said, he's aware of the many challenges faced by security institutions in the country and as they continue to make interventions, he thought of the need to consider the LDEA given the task of ensuring the fight against drug trafficking and abuse and the expressed will of the new administration to tackle transnational organized crimes.
For his part, Director Kromah used the occasion to thanked the Ambassador for the visit and also seized the moment to outline the efforts of the LDEA as well as challenges confronting the institution. He named the amended 2023 Revised Drug Law, several arrest across the country and the complementing efforts of the LDEA within the Joint Security structures as some efforts of the LDEA. On the part of challenges, Director Kromah stressed the lack of logistical support, specialized trainings, conducive work environment, additional manpower and needed budgetary support as key factors hindering the gains of the institution.
Additionally, Director Kromah used the moment to stress out the need to initiate public awareness on the amended drug law, citing reasons to acquaint the public and Judges about the existence of the law. He emphasized the need to educate the public about the context, the implications as well as its adherence to ensuring speedy prosecution. He said, in most part of the country, people are unaware of the passage and subsequent printing of the law and as such, Judges are still acting on the former law using the 13.5 provision to release suspect on bail.
Meanwhile, In response to Director Kromah's plead, Ambassador Bradley committed his government's partnership to the LDEA and promised to work with the institution in the areas of capacity building, community policing and the provision of available support towards the effective law enforcement of the nations' drug law.
In conclusion, Director Kromah thanked the British Ambassador for his visit and similarly committed to keeping the partnership for the development of the LDEA.
Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency-Ldea, , Inside New Georgia Township, Witness TV Liberia/Witness Radio