ITI, Bearwor, Rivercess County – Eight people, including four women, have been arrested, charged, and sent to court in connection with the death of an elderly man identified as Wayard.
According to authorities, the suspects face multiple charges, including illegal trafficking of illicit drugs and criminal facilitation to commit murder, among others. They are currently being held at the Cestos City Central Prison awaiting court trial.
The arrest follows reports that 70-year-old Wayard died after allegedly consuming narcotic substances in the area.
In the wake of the tragedy, youth in ITI, Beawor Administrative District have intensified their campaign against illicit drug use and substance abuse.
Speaking to Verity News, the youth chairman of the area, James Lammie, said the fight against drugs is a shared responsibility between the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and local communities.
Lammie lamented that some community members, especially women, are in the habit of shielding and protecting drug dealers. He stressed that the ITI youth will work closely with the LDEA to identify dealers and users of illicit substances.
“The increase in criminal activities here is due to the presence of drugs. People’s properties are no longer safe in the hands of drug users. Several individuals have died from drug consumption, including a local DJ, and now old man Wayard,” Lammie noted.
He called on the LDEA to take tougher actions against drug dealers to help curb substance abuse and prevent further loss of life in the community.
