The Justice Department of the United States Government has sponsored an eight-day intensive course in Drug Enforcement Administration for about 40 Liberian drug enforcement agents.The training which took place at the RLJ Resort at the Kendeja Hotel in Paynesville outside Monrovia, being the first of its kind in several years, came in the wake of increased incidences of drug abuse and cases of drug trafficking in the Liberian society.
The training provided a broader knowledge on drug abuse and its negative consequences on the global community of which Liberia is no exception, and participants received certificates of achievement at the end of the training.
They appreciated the gesture of the American Government and hoped for an advanced angle of such training which they termed “suitable, appropriate and a good beginning” of Liberia's DEA transformation.
The participants also hoped the gesture of the United States Government would be further expanded in terms of logistical support and more subsequent trainings in the face of the deepening challenges facing the Liberian society, including feeble drug law and the persistent violation of the Liberian law by drug traffickers.
At the end of the training, the participants gowned the trainers as asymbol of appreciation for the knowledge they acquired and promised to utilize it for the intended purpose.
Earlier, DEA Director Anthony Souh extended a hand of thanks and appreciation to the Government and people of the United States and pledged to work with them closely as it relates to the norms and tradition that could lead to the defined transformation of the Drug Enforcement Agency of Liberia.
Director Souh said it was important that the United States Government has availed its attention and support for the DEA in Liberia and expressed the hope and faith that his administration would succeed in its own way as it relates to the fight against drug.
He stressed the importance of sustained partnership between Liberia and US because according to him, drug abuse anywhere equally amounts to drug abuse everywhere.
The DEA boss promised his unflinching preparedness to keep the torch of DEA/Liberia and that of the United States burning especially, at a time when drug abuse has become the core of transitional crime against global peace and stability. “Let me assure you that”. He promised to make maximum use of the knowledge of the participants in the best way possible so as to enhance the dream and vision of DEA.
