Published: November 23, 2024
RIVER CESS – Aaron Z. Blayee, a 30-year-old officer of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), was arrested on November 21 in River Cess County after being found in possession of a significant quantity of illegal drugs, specifically Kush, a potent form of marijuana.
Blayee, who is assigned to the Timbo Bridge Checkpoint in River County, was apprehended at the Nimba Junction Checkpoint during a routine search. According to reports, Blayee had boarded a motorcycle taxi at his post, informing the driver that he was heading to ITI, a community that once served as a settlement for the defunct International Timber Industry logging company.
The motorcyclist, identified as Oldpa Garway, was also transporting a Gambian passenger named “Jallah.” Both passengers were subjected to searches during the journey, which uncovered the illegal drugs in Blayee’s bag.
Both Garway and Jallah told investigators they had no knowledge of the contents of Blayee’s bag. They revealed that they had passed through two checkpoints from Buchanan before reaching Timbo Checkpoint, where Blayee joined the journey. Both prior checkpoints had conducted thorough searches before allowing them to proceed.
Blayee admitted to police that the drugs were in his possession but has yet to disclose further details about their origin or intended destination.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of mounting concerns about corruption and complicity within Liberia’s law enforcement agencies, particularly the LDEA, which is tasked with combating drug trafficking.
A day before Blayee’s arrest, Inspector Emmanuel Monseegar of the Liberia National Police (LNP), who heads the Joint Security operations at Forster Town Checkpoint in Grand Bassa County, accused an LDEA commander identified as “Dora” of aiding drug traffickers.
“The LDEA Commander, Dora, has been involved in facilitating the movement of illegal drugs at the checkpoint,” Monseegar alleged in an interview with local media. “Sometimes, people arrive at the checkpoint with drugs, arms, or large sums of money. Dora and the suspects speak their language [Gio], and she allows them to pass without police interference.”
Commander Dora declined to respond directly to the accusations, instead referring journalists to her superiors.
Blayee’s arrest has raised further questions about corruption within the LDEA, particularly at critical checkpoints along Liberia’s highways. George Kemukai, the LDEA Commander in Cestos, confirmed that an internal investigation into Blayee’s actions is underway.
“If found guilty, Officer Blayee will face the full weight of the law,” Commander Kemukai stated, estimating the street value of the seized drugs at $4,800.
Blayee is currently in custody in Cestos City, awaiting further investigation and trial.
The timing of this arrest comes as Liberia faces growing challenges in combating drug trafficking, particularly the spread of Kush and other illicit substances. Despite recent efforts to curb the drug trade, law enforcement agencies remain hindered by corruption, limited resources, and the difficulty of policing remote and porous borders.
The LDEA has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest or the broader allegations of misconduct involving its officers. However, Blayee’s case has intensified scrutiny of the agency and its role in Liberia’s anti-drug strategy.
The outcome of the investigation and subsequent trial could have significant implications for the LDEA and the country’s broader efforts to combat drug trafficking and corruption within its law enforcement ranks.
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