Monrovia – In a startling revelation, Abraham Kromah, the head of Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), has accused the joint security at the country’s borders of facilitating an alarming increase of drug importation. Kromah, expressing his frustration at the lackluster efforts to curb drug smuggling, stated that he will withdraw all LDEA officers assigned to various border checkpoints.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh and Albert Fania
“The influx is high in our country because nobody is checking. The things (illicit drugs) can be covered in the trucks. All you do is just go and pay your one hundred dollars and pass… We cannot continue to allow this joint security to compromise our national security. We need to take immediate action to clamp down on drug smuggling,” Kromah said.
According to Kromah, the tasked LDEA officers have failed to exercise due diligence while inspecting vehicles entering and leaving Liberia, particularly during nighttime operations. This lax approach, he noted, has allegedly allowed an influx of narcotics into the country, posing a significant threat to national security and public health.
Liberia, a country ravaged by back-to-back civil wars, has enjoyed over 20 years of relative peace and democracy. However, the drug use epidemic, which has been growing in Liberia over the past years, poses significant danger to the country’s fragile peace.
The United Nations Population Fund – Liberia office estimates one in five young people uses narcotics. Many of these young people live in impoverished neighborhoods in Monrovia, the country’s capital. While Liberia is not a major producer of narcotic drugs, its ports, borders and territory provide favorable conditions for drug smugglers.
Kromah emphasized the importance of stringent border security and expressed disappointment with the current joint security’s performance, noting that their involvement has only exacerbated the issue at hand, rather than providing a solution.
The LDEA boss highlighted the need for increased efforts during night operations, as drug traffickers often exploit the cover of darkness to bring illicit substances into the country unnoticed. Kromah expressed concern that this issue had been overlooked for far too long, allowing the drug trade to flourish at an astonishing rate.
To address the situation, Kromah announced his decision to withdraw all LDEA officers from their assigned border checkpoints effective immediately. He believes that this bold move will demonstrate the gravity of the situation and its repercussions if not addressed promptly.
However, critics argue that this decision may lead to a security vacuum at the borders without an immediate contingency plan. They emphasize that the government must act swiftly to either replace the joint society or devise an alternative strategy to ensure effective customs inspections and counter drug smuggling attempts.
“Withdrawing the LDEA officers will not be a long-term solution Mr. Kromah, says a social media user identified as Stephen Gayflor, instantly responding to Kromah during his live interview.
“It is advisable you look at the root causes and address them. Proper training, attractive salary and modern equipment and logistics will help in boosting the morale of the security officers and enhance their work.”
Kromah, former deputy Police Inspector for Operations during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration, is noted for his no-nonsense approach in combating crimes. He was appointed by President Joseph Boakai to head the LDEA. Since he officially resumed work following his confirmation in February, he has arrested several people including Liberians and foreigners involved with drug trafficking.
During his confirmation hearing, he vowed to discharge his duty impartially.
“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,” he said when asked if he would go after VIPs including officials of the government involved in the illicit drug trade.
“I will be part of nobody; no Senator, Representative or government official will be calling me to say ‘oh my man, I am involved in some kind of drug matter, please tell your people to disengage.’ That’s not going to be under my watch.”
