By Precious D. Freeman
Officers from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) arrested Tony Beh, a notorious drug dealer and gang leader of the Destroying Our Community (DOC) gang, in West Point.
The arrest occurred at approximately 2:00 PM yesterday near the Center Street graveyard(Palm Grove Cemetery), a location previously flagged for suspected illegal drug activity.
Acting on credible intelligence, a tactical team led by the Deputy Commander and Chief of Operations at the West Point Satellite Station conducted a search of the area.
The officers spotted Beh, who was immediately recognized as a major figure in the illegal drug trade. Upon seeing the presence of law enforcement officers, Beh attempted to flee, running toward the graveyard in a bid to evade capture. However, LDEA officers swiftly cornered the suspect and apprehended him.
During a subsequent search, officers discovered a substantial quantity of drugs on Beh’s person. A total of 572 wraps of Kush, weighing 112 grams, were found, with an estimated street value of USD $11,440 (approximately LD$2,173,600).
This seizure represents a significant blow to the ongoing efforts of the DOC gang to distribute narcotics throughout the region.
As LDEA officers prepared to transport Beh to the station for processing, he exhibited violent resistance, physically struggling and refusing to enter the vehicle.
His actions escalated tensions and a group of his followers began hurling stones at the officers and their vehicles. In the ensuing chaos, one LDEA vehicle sustained damage, but fortunately, no officers were injured.
Despite the aggression from Beh’s associates, LDEA personnel were able to maintain control of the situation. Beh was eventually transported to the LDEA’s station, where he was formally charged and forwarded to court for further proceedings.
The arrest is seen as a significant conquest in the ongoing efforts to dismantle drug operations and combat organized crime in Liberia.
The LDEA has vowed to continue its rigorous crackdown on narcotic trafficking, emphasizing that all citizens must stand united in the fight against drugs.
“We will not allow criminals like Tony Beh to destroy our communities with illegal drugs. Our commitment to keeping our streets safe is unwavering,” said a spokesperson for the LDEA.
The agency also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement to assist in the eradication of drug trafficking and related violence in their neighborhoods.
The case is expected to have a substantial impact on the DOC gang’s operations, as authorities continue to investigate further leads.