Gov’t Hails Community’s Bold Stand Against Drugs -Urges Non-Violent Crackdown as Sense Way to Progress

By George C Flomo

The Government of Liberia has praised residents of the Saye town Community for taking decisive action against the sale and use of illicit drugs in their neighborhood, describing the move as a strong message to traffickers and users that such activities will not be tolerated.

Addressing the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) regular Press Briefing on Thursday, Deputy Minister Daniel O. Sando said the community’s move to apprehend suspected drug dealers and users followed the recent nationwide march against illicit drugs and President Joseph N. Boakai’s announcement of tough new measures to curb the crisis.

“What we saw was a community saying, ‘Enough is enough,’” Deputy Minister Sando stated. “They did it in a non-violent manner, working within the confines of the law, and that is commendable. This shows policymakers and stakeholders that the country has rallied around a common cause.”

Sando emphasized that while community involvement is critical, such crackdowns must be carried out in coordination with the joint security forces to ensure legality and safety. He warned that anyone caught trafficking, distributing, or selling drugs will face the full weight of the law.

“In Liberia, drug trafficking is a nonbailable offense,” Sando warned. “No status, no uniform, and no amount of money can save you from prosecution.”

Violence against Law Enforcement Condemned

The Deputy Minister also condemned what he described as a troubling rise in violence against law enforcement officers, citing recent incidents including the assault of an officer by a clergywoman.

“When you attack someone in uniform, you are attacking the authority of the state,” Sando said. “Law enforcement has the power to restrain movement and investigate probable cause. Assaulting officers sends the wrong message to society, especially to young people and congregations.”

US Human Rights Report Under Review

Sando further disclosed that the government has received the 2024 US State Department Global Human Rights Report on Liberia, disclosing that President Boakai is reviewing the document, which highlights both progress and areas requiring urgent reform in civil liberties, judicial independence, press freedom, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

The President has tasked the Ministry of Justice, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, and other relevant agencies with producing actionable policy recommendations to strengthen Liberia’s human rights framework.

“Human rights are not merely legal obligations,” Sando read from the President’s statement. “They are pillars of dignity, justice, and democratic governance. The government will pursue necessary reforms to align Liberia’s rights environment with global standards.”

Book of Condolence for Minister Grigsby

During the briefing, Sando also announced arrangements for the signing of the Book of Condolence in honor of the late Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Sylvester M. Grigsby.

The ceremony will take place Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Executive Mansion Parlours, beginning with President Boakai and members of the Cabinet, followed by other branches of government, the diplomatic corps, and the public, he said.

Books of Condolence will also be opened at all Liberian missions abroad, and the national flag will be flown at half-mast until the burial.