By Samule Borlay
As a community once regarded for calmness and agriculture activities, the Gbandi Land is now among rural communities where trading of illicit drugs is prevalence.
The Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency has arrested many people, mainly male youth and has taken them to court for trial. Despite the crackdown, the illicit trade still continues with the recent arrest of a 32-year-old man identified as Lahai Kamara, following the discovery of a substantial quantity of illicit drugs, including Tramadol and Kuch at his residence.
The arrest took place on Saturday morning, January 18, 2025 when LDEA operatives conducted a search at Kamara’s home in Massabolahun town, Wanhassa district. According to Kamara, he was approached by a group of LDEA agents who executed the search, leading to the seizure of the drugs found in his room.
Suspect Kamara revealed that he had received the drugs from an unidentified businessman between the towns of Kamatahun and Fokorlahun, stating, “I was only doing it for business purposes.” He expressed remorse over his involvement in the drug business, appealing to the government for forgiveness, as this was allegedly his first encounter with drug-related activities.
Kpehe Lomax, the LDEA commander for Lofa County, confirmed the arrest and disclosed that the estimated street value of the seized drugs is $50,000 Liberian Dollars (LRD). Lomax emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking in the region and urged local authorities and citizens of Gbandi Chiefdom to collaborate in the fight against narcotics.
“We need the support of the community to end the growing drug activities in Lofa County,” Lomax stated. “It is crucial that we all work together to create a safer environment for our people.”
The arrest has raised concerns about the prevalence of drug abuse and trafficking in the Gbandi Chiefdom. Towns in which the illicit act is suspected of being on the increase are: Bolahun and Massambolahun in Wanhassa, Kolba City in Kolahun, Kailahun, Yasailahun and Gelema in Lukambeh District.
Amid the unbending wave of the drugs abuse and trafficking in the Gbandi Chiefdom, Senior LDEA Officer said the agency remains vigilant in its efforts to combat illegal drug activities and protect public health in Liberia. He underscored the significance of community engagement in addressing the issue, adding that lacking of logistics is impeding the fight against drugs trafficking.
It is observed that assigned LDEA officers in Kolahun are challenged with transportation to effect arrest or respond to tip off from community members. This challenge, as observed by the Rural Reporters News Network, is said to be undermining the effective operations of the LEDA agents in Kolahun. Agents of the LDEA are often seeing negotiating with commercial bike owners to transport them, which according to insider, compromises intelligent gathering and put the suspects on alerts ahead of the agents’ arrival.
