GANTA, Nimba – Ganta’s Police Deputy Commissioner Patrick Solo has told reporters that the weak court system is responsible for the increase in drug-related crimes in the region.

He made the statement over the weekend in Ganta at a press conference at his Ganta office. This followed a vigorous police operation to get rid of drug users and vendors in the Gbartu Quarter and Congo Community in Ganta.

Solo said when the police apprehended drug users or traffickers and turned them over to the courts, they are often quickly released.

“We as police only do our job by going out to have those drug traffickers brought to book,” Solo said. “Our disappointment as law enforcers is that, when these criminals are taken through the court process, they spend no time in jail.”

He implied that drug traffickers have deep financial resources and often bail each other out when arrested. He said on release, no follow ups are made on the criminals, putting the community at risk.

This latest drug raid by police in Ganta comes as a result of a series of complaints by residents of Ganta. Commuters and others said they have lost cash and valuable possessions due to harassment from drug abusers.

Solo confirmed that two women were recently robbed on separate occasions. One lost L$26,000 ($US295) and the other, a Gold chain and US$150 after their bags were snatched away by criminals.

He attributed the criminal behavior to drug abuse. He suggested that the drugs impaired the judgement of individuals and turned them into fearless criminals.

Solo did not provide statistics or reports to back up his claims.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah