MONROVIA – The Director-designate of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Abraham Kromah has vowed to ensure the arrest and subsequent prosecution of any public official, including Representatives and Senators who are engaged into the trafficking and trading of narcotics and other dangerous drugs and substances in the country.
By Obediah Johnson
Mr. Kromah is a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and Deputy Director for Operations of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
In keeping with Article 54 of the Liberian Constitution, he was recently nominated to head the LDEA by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and forwarded to the Liberian
Senate for confirmation.
He promised not to take phone calls from lawmakers and other higher-ups in government fronting for or shielding drug dealers, traffickers or compromise his assigned tasks and duties following his confirmation to the position.
He gave the assurance when he appeared for confirmation before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defense and Veteran Affairs at the Capitol Building on Friday, February 2.
His assertions where in response to a question on whether or not he has the spine to arrest public officials, including lawmakers involved into the sale or trafficking of drugs.
“Yes, I do have the spine (to arrest and prosecute Representatives, Senators and others) involved. I will do the best I can to bring order and law to this country at any given time. I will be part of nobody; no Senator, Representative or government official will be calling me to say ‘oh my man, I am involved into some kind of drug matter, please tell your people to disengage.’ That’s not going to be under my watch.”
Mr. Kromah stressed that he will not be a part of any unprofessional act in the discharge of his functions.
He said the LDEA, under his administration, will ensure the “holistic” implementation of the new drug law without fear or favor.
Riding of ghettoes
He noted that ghettoes will be ridded from Monrovia within a two-month period.
Mr. Kromah averred that those apprehended from these ghettoes will be taken to holding centers for detoxification.
He disclosed that though he does not intend to go further with the ridding of ghettoes, he will prioritize rehabilitation and engagement in executing his mandate.
Rehabilitation
He described users of illicit drugs as “victims.”
According to him, drug users must be rehabilitated to enable them make meaningful contributions to the society.
“In six months’ time, we can go to those holding centers and get them out after they are taught life skills training and they can come back and contribute to the society. My prime objective is the treatment aspect of drugs which is rehabilitation.”
Mr. Kromah observed that though the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users is paramount, it has been allegedly abandoned by government.
He added that the rehabilitation process of ex-soldiers during the disarmament period was not given keen attention and as such, some of them are now in the streets mentally derailed.
“It’s time to go into the towns and villages and get the folks involve and caution them. The drug law that was passed should be public knowledge. People should know and feel the effect of the law.”
Engagements
He pointed out that rigorous engagements will be carried out in the communities, schools, churches, mosques and other public areas to discourage the trading and intake of narcotics and other dangerous substances.
He said traditional leaders; local authorities, including Commissioners, Town Chiefs, and Paramount Chiefs will also be involved in the process.
“We will engage the communities so that community leaders will now see themselves helpers to resolve this menace which is now a national crisis and a clear and pressing danger. If we cannot face it now, it’s going to face us tomorrow.”
Drug test
He said all LDEA agents will be subjected to a drug test.
“If you do not pass the drug test, you are not going to work with me.”
He stressed that LDEA agents are not LNP officers and as such, anyone caught extorting monies from drivers or passengers at various check points, especially in the leeward areas will be dealt with accordingly.
Mr. Kromah maintained that agents can only collaborate with their LNP counterparts during a joint operation, but not standing at check points carrying on the workings of the police.
He said agents must carry out their functions in keeping with the Act that created the agency if they must be respected by members of the public.
He underscored the need for all agents of LDEA to reapply, but in keeping with civil service regulations.
Low budget
Mr. Kromah termed as a “drop in the ocean” previous budgetary allocations to the agency.
He observed that lack of logistical support is impeding the operations of the institution.
According to him, the agency cannot be efficient and effective in carrying out its statutory responsibilities with low budgetary allocation.
Mr. Kromah used the occasion to call on members of the National Legislature to see reason to increase budgetary allotment to the LDEA if the fight against illicit drugs must yield fruitful results.
“The agency only had one (functional) vehicle that was given for the elections and bunch of old vehicles that are not working anymore. You can’t fix vehicles because there is no budget line for it. This is a serious crisis. This should not have chance of surviving anywhere. What I will be asking of you (lawmakers) is to increase the budget. With your support, you will want to embrace DEA agents in this country when you see them.”
He intends to ensure that LDEA officers make a minimum wage of US$400 monthly as motivation to promote productivity.
Mr. Kromah further disclosed that his decision to accept his preferment for the post is intended to “make a change.”
