South West: Governor Orders Closure Of Illegal Landing Sites

T he Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai has reaffirmed government’s de­ termination to eliminate illegal lan­ ding sites along the coastline of Fako Division, describing them as major entry points for drugs, arms, counter­ feit medicines and other illicit goods. The closed-door meeting brought to­ gether the Senior Divisional Officer of Fako, Viang Mekala, and Divisional Officers for Limbe I, II and III and that of Buea as well as defence and secu­ rity forces, to discuss strategies for combating trafficking through clan­ destine beaches. South West Governor said the illegal routes pose a serious threat to public safety because they are widely used for the smuggling of fuel, drugs, counterfeit medicines, arms and am­ munition, as well as illegal immigra­ tion. He noted that although many people associate the sites mainly with fuel trafficking, they have be­ come channels for several criminal activities that undermine peace and security in the region. The governor recalled that for more than eight years, administrative and security authorities have been instructed to close all illegal landing sites and en­ sure ...