Illicit Narcotics Use Surges in Grand Kru’s Remote Mining Area

By Emmanuel Koffa

FORPOH STATUTORY DISTRICT – There is a surge in the illicit use of narcotic drugs in Grand Kru’s remote mining environment of Forpoh Statutory District, a Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN) reporter in the area has reported.

Forpoh Statutory District residents attribute the growing waves of the illicit use of various kinds of narcotic drugs in the area to mining activities ongoing there, calling on the central government to prevail on agents of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) in Grand Kru County, to be more vigilant in clamping down on drugs dealers and users in that part of the country.

Citizens and residents of the remote mining area have alarmed over the situation, especially describing the increase in the illicit use of narcotics among youth of the District, as being troubling.

The citizens and residents of the area are also calling upon the government to take swift action aimed at addressing the situation, craving the intervention of the LDEA to urgently curb the influx of drugs in Forpoh Statutory District.

Thomas Teah, Jr., a prominent youthful citizen of Forpoh Statutory District told our reporter in an RRNN interview recently that complaints from residents of the area have increased because the surge in the sale and use of narcotics is hurting the community’s safety, as well as the well-being of young people in the area, who he described as being particularly vulnerable.

“The drug business in Forpoh is alarming. We are witnessing our children being lured into drug use, which is affecting their health, education, and future prospects,” Teah stated.

He added that  Forpoh Statutory District, known for its vast natural resources and bustling mining activities, has seen a rise in drug-related problems that residents say are exacerbated by a lack of the presence of law enforcement officers, coupled with the challenging socio-economic conditions many families are facing.

Teah, like many others, attributes the increase in the sale and use of harmful substances in the District to mining activities, while blaming young people in the area, who are being influenced by their peers and have become involved in the illicit use of narcotic drugs and the trafficking of harmful substances, leading to a circle of addiction and crime in that part of Grand Kru County.

Local educators have also voiced their concerns regarding the issue, highlighting the detrimental impact that drug abuse is having on academic performance and attendance.

“We’ve noticed that students are more frequently absent from school and their engagement in classes has dramatically decreased,” stated a teacher from a local school in the area, adding; “Investing in our youth means investing in a drug-free future, but right now that future is under threat.”

“Our next generation is being damaged and we should not sit and allow them in this kind of situation,” said a local leader, who preferred remaining anonymous for fear of reprisal from illicit drug users, who have the tendency to unleash violence against those who they perceive as their critics.

“The situation is grave, and we need immediate action from the authorities to protect our youth,” the local leader emphasized.

Meanwhile, citizens and residents of the area through Teah, are calling on the government to empower local county officials for more awareness and to prioritize the deployment of LDEA agents to Grand Kru County, particularly to the Forpoh Statutory District, where they believe drug enforcement measures are critically lacking.

They also want the government to prioritize educational and preventive measures, which they believe can be used to empower young people to resist drug use.

“We need support from the national government to combat this growing problem. We want drug education programs, community outreach, and resources to help rehabilitate those affected. Above all, we need the LDEA to take action and make the streets safe for our children,” another concerned resident pleaded.

However, as Forpoh Statutory District mobilizes to safeguard its future, members of the community have also committed to raising awareness about the dangers of narcotic drug use. Community meetings are being held to educate parents and youth alike on the signs of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help early.

Teah noted that residents of Forpoh Statutory District are hopeful that their cries will be heard; indicating that with the right support from the government and its law enforcement agencies, this rising menace can be combatted effectively to foster a healthier environment for the next generation.

Edited by Olando Testimony Zepngar