By: James Myking Suah
Grand Kru County – The Grand Kru County Detachment of the Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched investigations into three separate murder cases in the county.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and County Commander Clement Barlatt told reporters that the cases stem from incidents in Jloh Nifa, Buah Geeken, and Wedabo Jlatun.
He disclosed that one suspect linked to the Nifa Jloh case has already been charged and forwarded for court prosecution.
At a recent press briefing, ACP Barlatt also highlighted the LNP’s intensified efforts against crime, including raids on criminal hotspots. He revealed that several suspected drug traffickers—both Nigerian and Liberian nationals—were arrested with Kush, marijuana, and other narcotics.
The confiscated substances, he said, have been turned over to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) for further investigation.
“When arrests are made during raids, suspects are officially transferred to the LDEA along with all confiscated materials,” Barlatt explained. “If the case falls under police jurisdiction, investigations are conducted thoroughly, and charges are pursued when necessary.”
The police chief also raised concerns over the alarming rise of illegal mining activities in Grand Kru. He warned that local citizens are aiding such operations, endangering their communities while exposing underage children to hazardous conditions.
“This is not only a danger to their health but a direct threat to their future,” Barlatt cautioned. “We are launching a robust campaign against child labor in mining, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor. Anyone found guilty will be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.”
He recalled incidents from August in which children and other citizens lost their lives due to unsafe mining practices.
Describing the issue as a form of economic sabotage, Barlatt stressed that illegal mining undermines the government’s ability to generate critical revenue needed for development projects and civil servant salaries.
Additionally, the county commander reported progress in the enforcement of vehicle and traffic regulations, which he said has generated much-needed revenue for the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and boosted police performance in Grand Kru.
