By Precious D. Freeman
A routine security operation conducted by officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) turned into a drug bust late Saturday night, after authorities discovered a stash of illegal substances hidden in a passenger vehicle traveling through the Owensgrove checkpoint in Grand Bassa County.
At approximately 11:00 PM, LDEA officers assigned to the Owensgrove Detail initiated a standard inspection of a private vehicle as part of ongoing efforts to curb the trafficking of illicit drugs along major transit routes.
The vehicle, carrying several passengers, was subjected to a comprehensive search led by the detail’s deputy commander.
During the search, a suspicious carton was identified in the luggage compartment. Upon closer inspection, officers uncovered ten (10) compressed plates of marijuana, tightly wrapped and concealed within the container.
The origin and intended destination of the narcotics are under investigation.
As protocol demands, passengers were immediately asked to step forward and identify their personal belongings.
However, in the course of the identification process, one passenger was found to be missing.
Eyewitnesses report that the individual fled the scene shortly after the discovery, raising suspicions of involvement in the drug trafficking operation.
“This is a clear indication that the suspect was attempting to evade arrest,” said an officer at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We have launched a manhunt and are confident that the individual will be brought to justice.”
The seized narcotics have since been transported to the LDEA Regional Headquarters in Buchanan, where they will undergo forensic analysis.
Authorities believe that the packaging and quantity of marijuana suggest an intent to distribute, a serious offense under Liberian drug laws.
In a statement issued the LDEA emphasized its unwavering commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse in Liberia.
“We remain vigilant in our operations and continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities from the harmful impact of illegal drugs,” the agency said.
The LDEA is calling on the public to remain cooperative and vigilant. Community members with information on the identity or whereabouts of the fleeing suspect are urged to contact the nearest law enforcement office or the LDEA directly.
This latest seizure comes amid a broader crackdown on narcotics across the country.
Over the past year, the LDEA has ramped up checkpoints and surveillance operations in known drug trafficking corridors, resulting in several arrests and seizures.
Authorities warn that with Liberia increasingly being used as a transit point in international drug networks, law enforcement must remain proactive.
Drug trafficking not only fuels crime but also undermines the safety and future of our youth. “We are intensifying our enforcement strategies and working closely with other agencies to dismantle these criminal networks.”
Investigations into the origin of the intercepted marijuana and the vehicle’s travel history are ongoing.
