By Bill W. Cooper
The Unity Party’s newest member, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, alarmed that majority of his colleagues of the 54th Legislature are involved in the sale and smuggling of illegal drugs in and across Liberia.
The Senator of the Movement for Democracy and Reconciliation (MDR) lamented that it is disheartening to see some of his colleagues who are to be enacting laws for eradication of the drugs are the ones involved with its smuggling and selling.
Although Liberia is not a major hub for drugs, dozens of young people have fallen prey to these illegal substance such as cannabis or marijuana including legal variations of such products that include recently popular delta 8 THC products from Area 52 which are unlike traditional drugs like cocaine and heroin.
These strayed youths called zogos are found across the streets and cemeteries of Monrovia and other major cities and towns in Liberia.
Some turned to petite criminals, snatching away commuters’ traveling materials like hand bags, wallets, mobile phones and every other thing they are able to get away with.
Speaking with a team of journalists the fortnight ago at his home, the Nimba County Senator stated, “The issues of drugs in this country is not something to keep silent about because our children are dying and we as lawmakers whose responsibilities are to ensure our children are saved are the ones damaging their future.”
“And it will interest you to note that the very lawmakers who are to craft and strengthen the drugs law are the ones also involved dealing the drugs. I will not sit here and call names but it is no secret that some of my colleagues are involved in the smuggling and dealing of drugs.
“And that’s the reason why we as government are yet to strengthen the drugs law because once that is done, several government officials including lawmakers will be held liable and arrested for drugs,” he revealed.
Speaking on the challenges affecting the LDEA in combating illicit drug trafficking in Liberia, the UP’s Vice running mate explained that the war against illicit drug in Liberia was a tough task owing to the involvement of top government officials as well as the shielding of ghettos operators by some community members and the compromised of court system of the country.
He also blamed the proliferation of ghettos in the communities due to the failure of community leaders to inform the LDEA about their existence in their areas including the adequate budgetary support for LDEA.
He assured that a Boakai-Koung government will stop if not clamp down on the smuggling and sale of narcotic drugs across the country by increasing the LDEA’s budget as well as the provision of logistics.
Sen. Koung further that a Boakia-Koung government will also ensure the prosecution of those that will be caught in the sale and smuggling of the drugs without fear or favor as well as the closure of all ghettoes across the country in collaboration with community dwellers.
