By James Myking Suah, LINA Grand Kru County Correspondent
BARCLAYVILLE, July 5 (LINA) – Grand Kru County Public Defender, Cllr. Tarku W. Weah, has called on communities across Liberia to abandon passive roles and take direct ownership of the fight against drug abuse.
Speaking recently during the county’s observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Atty. Weah described substance abuse as one of Liberia’s most urgent developmental threats.
The event was held under the global theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Challenges, New Threats, Innovative Responses, and Strengthening Communities for Drug-Free Liberia.”
In a paper presentation titled: “The Community and Its Role in the Fight Against Drug Abuse in Liberia,” Atty. Weah stressed that families form the foundation of every community and bear a collective responsibility to safeguard lives, protect children, secure property, and promote economic growth.
“Drug abuse is destroying families, fueling criminal activity, damaging businesses, tarnishing community images, and robbing young Liberians of their future,” he warned.
He urged community members to report suspicious drug-related activities to law enforcement, educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse and sustain continuous public awareness campaigns.
Grand Kru LDEA Detachment Commander, Special Agent Alex Toweh, reported that the agency confiscated illicit drugs valued at US$90,892 — approximately LRD17.2 million during the period under review.
Commander Toweh, who assumed leadership on October 9, 2025, succeeding former Commander Michael Gipplay, commended his officers but emphasized that enforcement alone cannot end the crisis.
“Law enforcement cannot do this alone,” Toweh said. “We need residents throughout Grand Kru to provide timely information and partner with us to build a drug-free Liberia.”
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed worldwide to raise awareness of drug-related harms and to encourage governments, institutions, and communities to strengthen prevention, treatment, and enforcement measures.