IPNEWS: The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) arrested a 45-year-old Ghanaian national, Benjamin Cobbinah, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The arrest is part of a national campaign to curb illegal drug activities in Liberia, spearheaded by President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
LDEA Commander George Kermukai, confirming the arrest, disclosed that Cobbinah was found in possession of 24 plates of compressed marijuana, locally known as Ghanaian Compressed Marijuana. The street value of the seized drugs is estimated at USD $4,800.
Cobbinah was apprehended in the Ghanaian community of Cestos City, a region known for its significant expatriate population. He was subsequently taken into custody and appeared in court on Tuesday for trial proceedings.
In a statement to the press, Commander Kermukai emphasized the importance of the operation. “We are committed to fighting the illegal drug trade, and this arrest is a testament to the agency’s dedication to this mission,” he said, reaffirming the LDEA’s resolve to combat narcotics-related crimes.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Cobbinah denied any involvement in drug trafficking. He claimed that he had been asked to retrieve a 10% alcoholic beverage and was mistakenly handed the marijuana. Cobbinah further implicated a person identified only as “J.J.,” allegedly connected to the seized drugs.
The LDEA has assured the public that the investigation into Cobbinah’s case will be thorough and that all individuals linked to the operation will face the full extent of the law.
This arrest highlights the LDEA’s intensified efforts under the current administration to address the drug trade, which remains a pressing issue in Liberia. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activities to the authorities as the fight against illegal drugs continues.
