Nearly a month after the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) raised alarms about a newly identified narcotic infiltrating Liberian streets, ominously dubbed “Zombie,” LDEA Deputy for Operations Hasan Fadiga has denied such statements from his superior.
On his official Facebook page, Hasan Fadiga stated, “We have received several calls regarding the existence of ‘Zombie Drug’ in our country. As Deputy Director General of Operations for the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), I want to emphatically state that there is no evidence whatsoever to support these claims. I want to assure the public and our international partners that these claims are unsubstantiated. Our team at the LDEA has thoroughly investigated these allegations and found no credible information or evidence to support the existence of the ‘Zombie Drug’ in Liberia.”
This statement directly contradicts the earlier announcement by LDEA Director General Abraham Kromah. Early last month, Kromah issued a public warning, emphasizing the heightened threat posed by this potent substance compared to the infamous “Kush.”
In a press briefing held on Friday, May 3, 2024, Kromah revealed that the discovery of Zombie was the result of a successful interception by LDEA officers operating in the bustling commercial district of Red-light, located in Paynesville City. He announced the interception and subsequent confiscation of the “Zombie Drugs,” which was believed to be a crucial milestone in the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat the spread of narcotics within the nation.
Describing the nature of the new drug, Kromah emphasized its alarming potency, surpassing even the notorious effects of Kush on society. He underscored the urgent need for thorough investigations into the origins and distribution channels of Zombie to stem its proliferation and safeguard public health.
However, Fadiga’s statement has cast a dark cloud over the reality of Kromah’s pronouncement. As Deputy Director for Operations, Fadiga reiterated that there is no evidence to support the claims of Zombie Drugs in Liberia. According to Fadiga, these claims are unsubstantiated.
This public disagreement between the LDEA’s top officials has drawn significant attention to the agency’s internal dynamics.
The conflicting statements have led to widespread speculation and concern about the operational coherence within the LDEA.
In recent times, the back-and-forth situation between Kromah and Fadiga has attracted public scrutiny, highlighting potential discord within the institution.
The latest statement by the LDEA Deputy Director for Operations contradicts that of his superior, raising questions about the credibility of the agency’s leadership and their communication strategies.
As efforts are made to restore calm, the public is left wondering who is telling the truth. The conflicting narratives underscore the need for transparent and unified communication within the LDEA to maintain public trust and effectively address the challenges posed by narcotics in Liberia.