In Paynesville, anti-drug unit helps reduce crime
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Liberian Investigator
Residents of United Omega Community in Paynesville, Liberia, credit the deployment of a specialised Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency unit with reducing drug trafficking and crime. Operations since mid-2026 have dismantled several ghettos and allowed businesses to stay open later, The Liberian Investigator reports.
The deployment of a special unit of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has helped reduce crime in the United Omega neighbourhood of Paynesville, according to The Liberian Investigator. Residents say that raids, arrests and the dismantling of drug-selling sites have restored a sense of security since mid-2026.
Before this intervention, the neighbourhood, located behind Omega Market, had been affected by drug trafficking, theft and intimidation for nearly five years. Some businesses closed before nightfall and families stayed at home from 7pm, the Liberian outlet reports.
Mercy T. Johnson, a longtime resident, says people can now move around in the evening with less risk of harassment. Arthur K.G. Yasiah, acting chairman of Block D, recalled that the bodies of three people suspected of using drugs had been found in the neighbourhood that same morning.
