Monrovia – Days after Grand Kru County District #2 Representative Fonati Koffa alarmed over increased influx of foreigners into the county, the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) stated that they would intensify border patrol across the county.
Report by Henry Karmo, [email protected]
Rep. Koffa stated that the foreigners are allegedly smuggling gold and diamonds out of the county.
Lt. Prince Tobee, commander responsible for border patrols in Grand Kru County, announced that they would begin surveillance patrol on Tuesday, April 24, 2018.
Lt. Tobee said their border patrol intensification followed a warning from the Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Col. Lemuel E. Reeves.
Col. Reeves in a letter to his commander, instructed officers to stop illegal foreigners entering the country and cautioned aliens, already in country to comply with the Alien and Nationality Law of Liberia.
“There will be intensive patrol in the Sass Town Region and environ from the 28th – 30th, there will also be a surveillance patrol in the Buah Region and environ.
“Additionally, from the 1st – 4th of May, Barclayville City and environ will be intensively inspected, while May 5 – 8, there will be intensive patrol of Forpoh Region and environ.
He furthered said; “It is not just our duty to admit or prevent foreigners into the country but also monitor their activities to ensure that what they are doing is in consonance with what they claimed they are here to do,” Lt. Tobee said through a mobile phone.
He further said the LIS has indicated its preparedness to tackle cross border crimes including human trafficking and other irregular migration activities at borders.
He pointed out that the lack of logistics and equipment, training and congenial working environment, amongst others are hindering the effectiveness of the LIS.
He argued that an erected physical border control infrastructure, human resource, legislation, well-designed procedures and trained and experienced staff as well as innovative technology are crucial to remaining optimal as a service in protecting the borders.
Recently, Grand Kru County District #2 Representative, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa told a news conference that Illegal mining is on the rise in his district, where he claimed people are mining gold and diamond.
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