In a joint operation aimed at curbing drug abuse and criminal activities, residents of Saye Town Community, in collaboration with the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), on Wednesday morning arrested over 70 suspected drug dealers and users, and demolished a notorious ghetto on 3rd Street, Sinkor.
By Jamesetta D. Williams
According to eyewitnesses, the operation began at 5:00 a.m. when community dwellers dismantled what they described as a “no-go zone” ghetto that had been a major hub for drug-related crimes.
Mr. Wemoga Gabijay, one of the community leaders, told reporters that the action was part of a “national emergency call” to confront Liberia’s growing drug crisis.
“Drugs are everyone’s business there is no politics in this fight,” Mr. Gabijay said. “As residents, we are willing to help the government in the process of eliminating drugs from our communities.”
He disclosed that the targeted ghetto was one of the most notorious in the area and had given rise to two other smaller ghettos that had already been destroyed through community efforts.
“This ghetto has been the baddest and hottest in the community. It’s harming our children’s future,” he added.
The LDEA reported that 60 suspected drug users were apprehended during the raid, while 53 individuals managed to escape. Ten others were later captured and turned over to the Liberia National Police for further investigation and prosecution.
Mr. Gabijay stressed that the fight against drugs must go beyond rallies and petitions, urging continuous citizen-government collaboration.
The community is calling on the government to establish a detention and rehabilitation center for arrested drug dealers to ensure they do not return to the streets immediately after release.
“We told the government that once these dealers are arrested, they must face justice. We don’t want them back in our community right after being released,” he emphasized.
To maintain order and prevent the resurgence of drug activities, the community has deployed men at various checkpoints. Plans are also underway to form an anti-drug community task force in partnership with the government to reduce drug-related problems nationwide.
For further assistance or to join the community’s anti-drug campaign, residents can contact Mr. Gabijay at 07701989924 or 0886660399.
