21/06/2023
Bomi County
Republic of Liberia
June 21, 2023
The Bomi Detachment of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency has arrested 24 years old Foday Feikai, a commercial Driver for been in possession of 70 plates of compressed high grade Ma*****na with street value estimated at a jaw-dropping $ 6,176,000 Liberian dollars at the Klay Check point.
The arrest has reignited concerns about the government's failure to curb the importation of narcotics, while a recent high-profile acquittal in a multimillion-dollar co***ne case has further deepened the controversy.
The Liberian government, under increasing scrutiny, has been struggling to combat the surge in drug addiction among young people. Tragically, the rise of a dangerous drug called "KUSH" has claimed the lives of numerous Liberian youths. As the toll of casualties mounts, the government's response has come under intense criticism.
Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel Tweah Jr., made a startling admission in a recent interview, acknowledging the government's failure in the fight against drugs. This admission only adds to the growing disillusionment among Liberians, who are demanding urgent action to address the root causes of drug trafficking and addiction.
Last month, defendants in a highly publicized US$100 million co***ne case were acquitted of all charges, including money laundering, illegal possession and importation of controlled drugs, and criminal conspiracy. The acquittal, handed down by Criminal Court "C" at the Temple of Justice, has left the nation divided.
Malam Conte, Adulai Djibri Djalo, Makki Admeh Issam, Oliver A. Zayzay, and others walked free as the court not only cleared them but also ordered the Liberian government to return the confiscated US$200,000. The controversial ruling has raised doubts about the effectiveness of Liberia's justice system and the commitment to combating drug-related crimes.
Liberian are left grappling with the grim reality that their country still has a long way to go in its battle against drugs and substance abuse, which pose an ever-increasing threat to the population. Consequently, pressure is mounting on the legislature to ensure that drug-related crimes become non-bailable offenses, aiming to deter and prevent future drug trafficking activities.
As Liberia faces this escalating drug epidemic, Drugs Activists are requesting the government to take swift action to protect its citizens and tackle the root causes of addiction. The future of the nation's youth and the well-being of the entire population hang in the balance, demanding urgent and effective measures to curtail the importation, distribution, and abuse of illicit substances.
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