By James Myking Suah
Barclayville City, Grand Kru County – In a powerful demonstration of their commitment to combating drug abuse, the Grand Kru County Detachment of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) marked International Drugs Day by destroying illicit drugs valued at $43,406 USD, equivalent to over 8.6 million Liberian Dollars. The confiscated narcotics represent a significant blow to drug traffickers and users across the county.
According to Michael Gipply, Grand Kru County Commander of the LDEA, the agency had a productive year under review despite limited resources. Their efforts led to the arrest of 27 drug suspects—20 males and 7 females. Of those arrested, 5 were foreign nationals, and 22 were Liberian citizens.
Commander Gipply detailed the substantial seizures made by his team:
- Marijuana: 164 kilograms
- Kush: 309.4 grams
- Heroin: 291.3 grams
- Cocaine: 127.3 grams
- Precursors: 206 kilograms
Speaking on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Commander Gipply emphasized the critical need forsustained, collaborative efforts from community dwellers and local stakeholders. He urged them to intensify awareness campaigns on drug treatment and prevention among Grand Kru County’s youth, stressing that the fight against narcotics cannot be left solely to the joint task force.
Gipply asserted that the confiscated substances reflect the detachment’s honest efforts amid mounting challenges in the county’s fight against drug abuse. The former LDEA spokesperson also reminded local stakeholders that while arrests are crucial, ensuring the prosecution of suspects currently in pre-trial detention is equally vital.
He underscored that the security sector can only strengthen its fight against harmful substances by enhancing the rule of law and promoting accountability. In a direct appeal to Superintendent Antoinette Worlee Nimely, Gipply declared, “Madam Superintendent, in all your legacy projects, we appeal to you to rally around other stakeholders to ensure the construction of a prison facility in Grand Kru County.”
The Commander highlighted that the current absence of a correctional compound, while not deterring prosecutions, does undermine accountability under the rule of law. He concluded by expressing gratitude to his officers and local stakeholders for their continuous support, cautioning that “enhancing the rule of law is everybody’s business.”
This year’s World Drugs Day celebration was held under the theme: “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All,” with the local theme being “The Evidence is Clear: Investing in Drug Prevention.”
For her part, Grand Kru County Superintendent Antoinette Worlee Nimely commended the LDEA’s tireless efforts against drug abuse and trafficking. She lamented the unfortunate sight of young people succumbing to drug addiction, calling it “seriously disgusting and undermining their potential” and an “embarrassment to the county and community.”
Superintendent Nimely shared that her office is actively collaborating with various women’s organizations to assist the DEA in promoting awareness campaigns throughout the county, aiming to reduce drug consumption rates among the youth. She also confirmed that her office is working closely with the central government for the construction of a prison compound in Grand Kru and to ensure the county’s Joint Security apparatus is well-equipped with adequate logistics to combat crime.
The Superintendent reiterated President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to empowering the security sector nationwide, citing the recent donation of a brand-new pickup to the County Police Detachment and the deployment of 30 additional police personnel as clear evidence.
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