The youth of Grand Bassa County, particularly in Buchanan City, are facing a growing crisis as the smuggling, sale, and consumption of harmful substances increasingly threaten their well-being. This alarming situation continues to deteriorate, with teenagers being exploited as middlemen in the county’s drug trade.
One recent and troubling case involves a 12-year-old boy named Acady, from the Sugarcane Farm Community in Grand Bassa County. Allegedly used as a middleman for drug trafficking operations, Acady is also a victim of drug addiction. Local reports reveal that Acady has been actively involved in facilitating drug deals, with his mother, whom he identified as “Harvest,” allegedly orchestrating the operation and introducing him to this illegal business.
Our investigation has revealed that the situation took a tragic turn when a teenager named Adam Chea died after consuming a harmful substance known as Kush. Acady was reportedly the supplier of the drugs that led to Adam Chea’s untimely death.
The drug crisis in Grand Bassa reflects a broader issue affecting Liberia as a whole. Acady, who is seen as a key figure in the local drug trade, acts as a major transporter and link between drug users and dealers in the county. Reports indicate that his involvement in selling and consuming Kush and marijuana, allegedly initiated by his own mother, has led to fear among his neighbors.
In a chilling account, the 12-year-old described his last encounter with 21-year-old Adam Chea, who was found dead in the Joe Quarter Community after consuming Kush, stating, “Ley tin it can make me cook.”
The use and sale of illicit drugs among teenagers are becoming increasingly common in Buchanan, and there is growing evidence that teens are getting involved in drug use as early as 12 to 14 years old. The rise in drug trafficking and abuse has led to numerous social and economic challenges, including increased crime rates, health crises, and the weakening of community structures.
Substance abuse is contributing to public health emergencies, with rising incidences of illness and untimely deaths among the youth. According to a United Nations survey conducted in Liberia as of July 8, 2024, over one million Liberians are using drugs and other harmful substances.
Efforts to combat drug trafficking are ongoing, but the situation calls for comprehensive strategies and support from both local and international stakeholders. Addressing the drug crisis in Liberia will require strengthening law enforcement, improving public health interventions, and fostering community resilience.
As Liberia continues to grapple with these challenges, the need for a unified and sustained approach to tackle drug-related issues has become increasingly critical.