MONROVIA – The Liberian People’s Party (LPP) has issued a strong statement criticizing the government’s handling of the recent chaos surrounding the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s (LDEA) operation in Bernard Beach. In a press release dated Monday, August 26, 2014, the LPP expressed deep concern over what it describes as the government’s failure to address the escalating drug crisis in the country.
The LPP highlighted that the current government’s inaction is contributing significantly to the growing drug menace, which is having devastating effects on Liberian communities. “The recent chaos surrounding the LDEA’s operation in Bernard Beach exposes a disturbing reality: the government’s inaction and failure to confront the growing drug menace is costing us dearly,” the statement read.
In response, the LPP proposed a series of comprehensive, results-driven governance recommendations aimed at addressing the root causes of the drug crisis and delivering lasting solutions. The party recommends a shift in focus from merely targeting street-level dealers to dismantling the entire drug network. This approach requires advanced intelligence gathering and strategic sting operations to identify and neutralize key players, including importers, distributors, and financiers who profit from the illegal drug trade. “It’s time to cut off the head of the snake and cripple these criminal operations,” the statement emphasized.
The LPP also advocates for robust systems that ensure all participants in the drug trade, from high-level criminals to complicit officials, face swift and uncompromising justice. The party calls for an end to the excuses about “systems that were never in place” and urges the establishment of effective governance mechanisms to restore public trust and order. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the LPP stresses the need for collaboration with local leaders, youth organizations, and civil society. This would help gather intelligence, educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse, and provide empowering alternatives that steer the youth away from criminal influences.
The LPP argues that 21st-century problems require 21st-century solutions. It emphasizes the need to employ the latest technology and data analytics to track, predict, and disrupt drug trafficking operations, ensuring that every corner of Liberia is safeguarded from the threat of illegal drugs. The party also identifies the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to the drug crisis, such as despair and hopelessness. The LPP’s broader vision includes creating a thriving economy, expanding educational opportunities, and empowering the next generation to reduce reliance on crime and make the drug trade obsolete.
The LPP concluded its statement by calling for immediate and decisive action. “The current administration’s neglect speaks volumes, but the LPP’s results-oriented recommendations will speak even louder. The time for transformation is now! Enough of the lip service. It’s time for decisive, coordinated, and inclusive action,” the statement urged.
As the LPP continues to advocate for meaningful change, it emphasizes its commitment to constructive engagement and providing practical solutions rather than mere criticism. “This isn’t about tearing down; it’s about building up, presenting sustainable alternatives, and leading by example as we pave the way for meaningful transformation in Liberia,” the party declared.
The LPP’s statement serves as a call to action for all Liberians to join the fight against the drug menace and support a safer, more prosperous future for the nation.
