MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Justice Ministry has described as appalling the “Not guilty” verdict by Criminal Court “A”, under the gavel of Judge Blamo Dixon in the One-hundred-million drug bust trial.

Justice Minister Cllr. Musa Dean said:” The verdict clearly undermines the collective efforts of Liberia and its international coalition to clamp down on illegal transit of illicit drugs”.

Minister Dean said it is the collective responsibility of the three branches of Government to take the fight against illicit drugs and not just the Executive.

He wants the Judiciary to complement the effort of the Executive by acting in conformity with the laws and the gravity of the crime.

A MICAT release quotes the Attorney General as saying it becomes worrisome and shameful for the court to set hardcore criminals free when the evidence is overwhelming in the face of international collaboration.

The Justice Minister, however, admitted that the ruling has brought Liberia to international ridicule, especially when the four men absconded after the verdict.

Meanwhile, Minister Dean has announced that the joint security is continuing its search for the four men who are considered at large.

Minister Musa Dean wondered why the men would flee or hide if they truly believe that they had committed no criminal offense.

He described such action as sickening.

The Attorney General encouraged the men to return and get the two-hundred-thousand United States Dollars seized by the joint security during their arrest.

In October last year, a huge consignment of 520-kilogram drugs with a street value of 100 million USD was seized by the joint security of Liberia, through an international collaboration involving American and Brazilian Authorities.

For several years, West Africa has been a transit zone for narcotic drugs produced in Latin America, destined for Europe and other parts of the world.