By Moses J. Dawoe-Maryland
The Regional Commander of the Liberia National Police (LNP) for Region 5, Moses Tamba Sepoh, has alarmed over the rampant illegal mining activities in Grand Kru County.
He said such action is causing severe air and water pollution as well as environmental damage.
Speaking in an interview on February 12, 2025, Commissioner Sepoh expressed grave concerns about the increasing use of harmful chemicals, particularly mercury, in mining operations across Grand Kru.
Accordingly, mercury, which is banned in Liberia due to its toxic effects, is allegedly being imported by miners, further exacerbating pollution in the county.
“Scientifically, mercury contamination cannot be easily eradicated and should not be used in the mining sector,” Commissioner Sepoh emphasized, underscoring the irreversible environmental and health risks posed by these practices.
Beyond environmental concerns, the commander highlighted other pressing security challenges.
In Pleebo Sodoken, particularly Pleebo City, he noted that theft of property and other crimes, including a reported case of rape in River Gee County, remain persistent issues.
Commissioner Sepoh cited the high incidence of theft as a major obstacle for key economic players, such as the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP) and the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC).
He suggested that these crimes are causing significant financial losses for the management of these companies.
Adding to the difficulties faced by law enforcement in Grand Kru, River Gee, and Maryland Counties, Commissioner Sepoh pointed to the lack of mobility for police officers as a critical hindrance to effective operations.
However, he expressed optimism over plans to deploy 648 new police officers across the country to address the shortage of manpower in the LNP.
Despite this, he noted that Liberia still falls short of the 8,500 personnel recommended by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to ensure adequate security services nationwide.
As Grand Kru battles the dual challenges of environmental degradation and escalating crime, the need for a coordinated response to illegal mining and improved support for law enforcement grows ever more urgent, he added.
