Africa-Press – Liberia. Rep. Johnson said since the suspension of these officials—who were tasked with leading the fight against illicit drugs—the country has seen a continued influx of illegal substances.
CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – Concerns over the delayed publication of an investigative report involving three suspended Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Directors were raised in the House of Representatives through a communication from Grand Gedeh County District 2 Representative, Marie Johnson. She has requested the Plenary to invite the Minister of Justice, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, and the Legal Advisor to the President to provide an update on the status of the investigation.
In her communication dated September 5, 2024, to House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan F. Koffa, Rep. Johnson expressed her concerns about the delay in releasing the findings of the investigation, which was ordered by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai following the suspension of the LDEA officials due to internal conflicts.
President Boakai suspended the three officials and instructed the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough investigation. However, despite the passage of time, the report has not been made public, raising concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the investigation.
Rep. Johnson said since the suspension of these officials—who were tasked with leading the fight against illicit drugs—the country has seen a continued influx of illegal substances. She highlighted recent drug seizures at Roberts International Airport and along the Liberia-Sierra Leone border, noting the negative impact on Liberia’s youth, many of whom are affected by drug abuse.
“In our collective efforts to combat illicit drugs, the President has established a steering committee comprising government ministries and agencies to tackle the issue,” Rep. Johnson’s communication stated.
She also reminded her colleagues that, during his first State of the Nation Address, President Boakai declared drug abuse an “existential threat” and a national security risk that demands urgent action. Specifically, the President cited the rise of “KUSH,” a synthetic drug that has been causing severe harm to young Liberians.
With the ongoing battle against illicit drugs, Rep. Johnson stressed the need for clarity on the investigation involving the suspended LDEA officials to ensure the agency’s success in this critical fight. She expressed particular concern about the continued delay, as the LDEA was established by the legislature to address the growing drug problem.
“I request that the Minister of Justice, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, and the Legal Advisor to the President appear before this honorable body to explain the status of the investigation into the LDEA Director and his deputies. The people of Liberia are deeply concerned about this matter,” Rep. Johnson said.
Speaker Fonati Koffa took possession of the communication and referred it to the leadership of the House of Representatives.
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