ITI, River Cess—The Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency unit in River Cess announced that they confiscated four bags of marijuana worth over L$500,000 (US$3,246.75) in the Kola Tree Community in Iti, Yarnee District.

LDEA’s chief of operations in River Cess, Jurry Blamo, told The Bush Chicken that the traffickers had fled the scene before his men arrived.

“This is the biggest arrest [bust] made so far since I took over operations four months ago,” Blamo said. “Even though we have been confiscating substances, but not as huge as this one.”

According to Blamo, a single barrel rifle and two motorcycles that were being used by the traffickers were also confiscated.

Iti is a settlement established by former workers of the International Timbers Industry established by a former general from the Liberian Civil War era.

The area is close to the border with Sinoe and has routes that lead to Nimba and Grand Gedeh.

In line with LDEA standard procedures, Blamo said the drugs would have been burnt on Sunday September 9, 2018; however, this has not happened, and authorities have not explained the cause of the delay. A press conference had been scheduled by the joint security team on Saturday, September 8 to explain the procedures for destroying the drugs; however, it was canceled without explanation.

Residents are concerned about the possibility of misconduct with the police’s handling of the drugs. The fact that the drug bust was made without any arrest has been viewed as suspicious. Unverified reports indicate that the confiscated marijuana is being kept at the headquarters of the River Cess’ detachment of the Liberia National Police.

Featured photo by Eric Opa Doue