By Alexander Musa Jr., Grand Bassa County Correspondent
A man, Philemon Reeves, and his pregnant girlfriend, Sianeh Bani, have been arrested by officers the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) in electoral District #5, Grand Bassa County. The duo was in possession of heroin worth L$65,000. The arrest was part of a dragnet on drug dealers and peddlers in Grand Bassa County by LDEA.
In a fight against the use and distribution of illegal substances and illicit drugs in Grand Bassa County, LDEA Bassa detachment arrested two lovers for the possession of illegal substances described as heroin.
The couple were arrested in Yeaway Camp, Equatorial Palm Oil (EPO) yesterday, February 21, 2024.
Agent Daniel Joe, LDEA Officer assigned at EPO gate, told reporters that the arrest was carried out as a result of a hint from residents of the camp.
He said he rapidly acted on the intelligence information from the dwellers of Yeaway Camp, EPO Concession area.
On arriving at the location, Joe, accompanied by other LDEA Officers, carried out a thorough search of the residence belonging to the primary suspects Philemon and Sianeh.
During the search, the law enforcement officers discovered a huge amount of heroin hidden in part of the room of the suspects.
Following the discovery, suspects Philemon and Sianeh were apprehended and have since been incarcerated awaiting charges and prosecution.
In the process, Philemon admitted to his possession of the drugs and to being in drug business in the area. He confessed that he had been engaged in illegal activity for quite some time. He seemed to have confessed willingly.
According to the suspect, he is involved into drug business because it is the only way he could support his family and ensure their needs were met.
Meanwhile, Sianeh Bani, Philemon’s pregnant girlfriend, expressed that she’s innocent regarding her boyfriend’s involvement in such activities.
She said that they had been together for seven months, but she was entirely unaware of her boyfriend’s illegal drug dealing.
In a related development, Grand Bassa County LDEA commander, Bulster Jolon, has called on residents of the county to work together with law enforcement to minimize substance abuse, and peddling of drugs, which he said is destroying the youthful population of the county.
He said the cooperation of communities are highly anticipated in terms of providing LDEA tips about individual in the habit of using drugs, selling, or distributing drugs. “I promise, we will keep your name secret,” Jolon assured residents.