LIBERIA PEACEBUILDING OFFICE CALLS FOR FACTS And TRANSPARENCY IN $19M DRUG SEIZURE INVESTIGATION
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
Monrovia, Liberia — The Liberia Peacebuilding Office (PBO) has expressed grave concern over the growing threat of narcotics trafficking and drug abuse, warning that the crisis has shifted from an urban problem to a national peace and security challenge affecting the nation.
The issue has intensifies following the recent public reports regarding an alleged over US$19 million dollars drug saga involving narcotics intercepted at the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
In a statement Thursday, the Peace building office said the institution recognizes the mandate of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Ministry of Justice and other security institutions to verify facts, conduct investigations, and follow due process under Liberian law and international protocols.
According to the statement, the Peace building office terms Narcotics as a Threat to Peace & Social Cohesion; noting that illicit drug trade does not only harm an individual’s health but also destroys the social fabric of communities.
The statement highlighted that drug crisis, transportation increments, and crime in neighborhoods; adding that it undermines youth potential and trapped young men and women in addiction instead of work, school, or leadership.
The institution further stressed that security operations alone cannot win this fight instead root causes must be addressed.