Liberia: Gov't Admits Seized Boxes at Airport Contain Illegal Drugs
The Minister of Justice, Cllr. Frank Musah Dean, has seen his request for a writ of prohibition to halt enforcement of the not-guilty verdict of Criminal Court ‘C’ in the US$100m cocaine smuggling case denied.
The Ministry of Justice, through the Joint Security of Liberia, has confirmed that the consignment of boxes it intercepted containing herbal plants, packaged and in natural form, at the Roberts International Airport reveals the presence of methamphetamine.
As part of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency's investigation, which included scientific examination, samples tested revealed the presence of the illicit drug, which is banned under the rules of United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes, UNODC.
The Minister of Justice Cllr. Frank Musah Dean Jr. has with immediate effect ordered the Joint Security of Liberia, as well as the LDEA, LNP and the NSA, to expand their investigations on the importation of the illegal drugs with the aim of bringing to justice all those involved.
The Liberia Revenue Authority had yesterday claimed that boxes, which Aiport Security Manager had allegedly attempted to smuggle out, contained packs of raw moringa tea leaves, but needed further testing.
However, tests conducted by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), according to sources, have revealed that some of the packages in the boxes contained methamphetamine, a highly addictive substance that is not yet widely used in Liberia.
The methamphetamine, which the LDEA has discovered, is a potent and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. It affects the brain's dopamine and norepinephrine systems, leading to an intense rush of euphoria and increased energy levels. Users often experience increased aggression, paranoia, and violent behavior, posing potential harm to themselves and others