By Wilmot Konah
Monrovia — Liberia’s major opposition leader and former President George Weah has challenged the government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to intensify efforts to combat the country’s drug problem, claiming that his administration was able to address the issue while in power.
Weah made the remarks recently in the United States while attending the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) USA Chapter convention, as Liberia continues to face an ongoing investigation into major narcotics cases, including the seizure of cocaine valued at about US$317 million and a separate case involving approximately US$19 million worth of cocaine.
“Drugs in any society is not a good thing. We hope that the government can solve the drugs problems. When we had a little drug issues, we solved it,” he said.
Weah explained that drugs are harmful to society and expressed hope that the Boakai administration would find a solution to the problem. His comments come amid growing public concern over drug trafficking and the government’s ongoing efforts to investigate and combat the illegal drug trade.
The recent cocaine cases have attracted significant public attention, particularly following the seizure of suspected narcotics valued at about US$317 million, described as Liberia’s largest drug seizure, and a separate US$19 million case.
The Boakai administration is under public pressure to ensure that the ongoing investigations are conducted transparently and that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
The former president’s comments add to the ongoing public and political discussion over Liberia’s response to drug trafficking and the government’s handling of the investigations. He noted that the Boakai government must find a solution to the drug problem, recalling that his administration dealt with similar challenges while in office.
