By: James Myking Suah
Barclayville City – The Joint Security Taskforce of Grand Kru County has successfully conducted operations aimed at curbing drug trafficking in the Dougbo Community, Trehn Statutory District.
The operation, triggered by reports that a local youth had died after consuming a dangerous drug known as “spark and die,” led to the arrest of three major drug traffickers.
Those apprehended include Abel Joshua, George Freeman, and Sylvester Kruh, while the primary dealer, Ezekiel Tiah, also known as Y.C., escaped arrest.
According to Grand Kru County Police Commander Clement Barlatt, who heads the Joint Security Taskforce, the team faced resistance from local residents during the raid.
He revealed that intelligence gathered linked Tiah to a Nigerian associate allegedly involved in trafficking harmful substances among youth in Trehn Dougbo, Electoral District #1.
Commander Barlatt disclosed that George Freeman, 67, was found with a large quantity of assorted drugs, allegedly supplied to him by his son, Ezekiel Tiah, for distribution in the Dougbo area.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Barlatt further explained that the joint team confiscated 47 wraps of Kush, 11 wraps of spark and die, marijuana, and several pieces of Tramadol during the operation.
The suspects, along with the seized narcotics, will be handed over to the Liberia National Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) for further investigation.
In his address, ACP Barlatt reaffirmed the taskforce’s commitment to fighting narcotics and urged the community to stop shielding drug dealers.
He stressed that citizen cooperation and timely information are crucial to apprehending traffickers as part of the nationwide “Say No to Drugs Campaign.”
He also called for increased awareness campaigns by stakeholders to prevent and eradicate drug abuse among young people, highlighting the damaging impact on the community.
The County Police Chief warned residents against protecting drug dealers, noting that such actions undermine government efforts in the fight against illicit substances.
Barlatt assured that the Joint Security Taskforce remains determined to pursue drug traffickers relentlessly across the county. He announced a zero-tolerance policy for drug-related crimes and contraband in Grand Kru and encouraged collaboration from the Legislative Caucus to strengthen security operations.
The police commander commended Superintendent Antoinette Worlee Nimely and local stakeholders for their continued support of the taskforce’s activities.
He also expressed appreciation for the growing number of police officers assigned to Grand Kru County and appealed for additional reinforcement from the national government.
