-Joint Security findings reveal in suspicious boxes intercepted at RIA.
The Ministry of Justice, through the Joint Security of Liberia, has confirmed that the consignment of boxes it intercepted containing herbal plants – packaged and in natural form – at the Roberts International Airport reveals a presence of methamphetamine.
In a latest release, the Justice Ministry says as part of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s investigation, which included scientific examination, samples tested revealed the presence of the illicit drug, which is banned under the rules of United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes, UNODC.
Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth, is a synthetic stimulant with a high potential for addiction. It is sought after for its ability to induce euphoria, often described as a feeling of well-being, which can endure for up to 24 hours.
This illegal substance is readily accessible and affordable, particularly to adolescents, due to its relatively low production cost.
This substance can be administered through various methods, including injection, smoking, snorting, or oral ingestion. Injecting or smoking Methamphetamine results in an immediate and intense rush of its effects.
In contrast, the euphoric sensation from snorting or oral ingestion is less intense and requires more time to manifest, taking approximately 3 to 5 minutes for snorting and 15 to 20 minutes for oral consumption.
Monday’s disclosure that the confiscated boxes contained organic tea, contrary to the suspicion of it being drugs, raised a lot of eyebrows within the public and even the security sector. Meth is also said to be a base product for kush.
With the lastest findings, the Minister of Justice Cllr. Frank Musah Dean Jr. has with immediate effect ordered the Joint Security of Liberia, as well as the LDEA, LNP and the NSA, to expand their investigations on the importation of the illegal drugs with the aim of bringing to justice all those involved.
On Sunday, February 10, 2023, the Management of the Roberts International Airport confirmed that suspicious boxes transported directly from the tarmac in a minibus and being escorted by the airport’s chief of security were intercepted by officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia. According to the airport management, the AFL had reported that Mr. Freeman had claimed that the package belonged to Finda Bundo, the President’s Chief of Protocol. However, Mr. Freeman denied saying such to the AFL officers.
Speaking to journalists at the Roberts International Airport Monday, Mr. Samuel Freeman, the RIA chief of security, said the boxes were confiscated and placed in the Customs’ warehouse since August 31, but he became concerned when FrontPageAfrica reported in its Monday, September 11, 2023, edition that he was allegedly involved with drugs.
On Monday, the Assistant Commissioner of Customs at the Liberia Revenue Authority, Atty. Namue Koffi told Journalists that the ten boxes seized by the Armed Forces of Liberia contained a hundred packs of moringa leaves contrary to the alleged Drugs reported on social media.
The Justice Ministry has assured that the public will be duly updated as progress is made on the investigation and in the wider fight against illicit drugs and transnational criminals.
