A -32-year-old-man-has-been-arrested-by-the-Grand-Bassa-LDEA-for-possessing-a-large-consignment-of-drugs

Owengroove, Grand Bassa County: The Grand Bassa Detachment of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has achieved a significant breakthrough in its battle against drug trafficking with the arrest of a commercial driver at the Owengroove Checkpoint in Electoral District #1, Grand Bassa County.

The arrest took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, when the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mark Joe, was found in possession of a substantial quantity of illegal drugs.

According to Special Agent Alfred Lackay, Commander of the Grand Bassa LDEA, Joe was apprehended with five compressed plates of marijuana, four boxes of Tramadol, and four plastic bags containing Kush.

The operation was part of the LDEA's ongoing efforts to curb the flow of illicit narcotics into and across the country.

Commander Lackay described this drug bust as a critical step in addressing the increasing involvement of commercial drivers in drug trafficking.

He noted that the arrest was made during a routine inspection at the checkpoint, where Joe’s vehicle was flagged for further examination. Upon inspection, officers discovered the drugs concealed in a sealed bag.

The LDEA has since launched an investigation into the origins of the substances and the individuals involved in the trafficking network.

Commander Lackay emphasized the agency's commitment to combating drug trafficking, highlighting that this arrest underscores the importance of vigilance and intelligence in their operations.

He encouraged the public to support the LDEA by providing information that could lead to the apprehension of traffickers and the dismantling of criminal networks.

Commander Lackay also stated that Mark Joe has been processed for further investigation and will be turned over to the Buchanan Magisterial Court within 48 hours. The LDEA has reiterated its resolve to tackle drug-related crimes and hold perpetrators accountable under the law.

Meanwhile, Mark Joe has provided his version of the story claiming that he had been unaware of the contents of the sealed bag found in his possession. He explained that he had been asked to deliver the bag to an individual in the Gorzohn Community of Buchanan City and had no knowledge that it contained illegal substances. 

Joe stated that he was given a contact number and instructed to call a woman upon his arrival in Buchanan. He insisted that he was merely carrying out a delivery and had no prior involvement in drug trafficking.

Following his arrest, Joe said he attempted to contact the woman, but she refused to answer her phone despite several calls.

The commercial driver, who resides in Buchanan, expressed shock at the situation and denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he was being framed.

The suspect’s claims are now part of the ongoing investigation as the LDEA seeks to determine whether he acted knowingly or was an unwitting participant in a larger drug trafficking operation. Investigators are working to trace the source of the drugs and identify others connected to the case.

Edited; E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.