Liberia: LDEA Fires Officers for Drug Abuse, Recalls RIA Team Over Misconduct

Monrovia – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has dismissed five of its officers and one volunteer after they tested positive for drug abuse during the agency’s ongoing mandatory testing exercise.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, LDEA Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald Biago disclosed that while all officers at the agency’s Monrovia headquarters passed the test, several assigned in Bomi County were found to have used illegal substances.

Those dismissed include  officers C. Tony Granett, Nyumah Millimono, Lawrence J. Fejue, and Milton Berh, Roosevelt T. Kollie and an agent identified as specimen #M-43SEC-3, along with volunteer Larwou Yekeh.

“These officers are hereby discharged from all services of the LDEA with immediate effect,” Biago announced. “This is just the beginning. We are committed to purging the agency of any elements that compromise our credibility and mission.”

RIA Recall Over Misconduct
In a related development, the LDEA has announced the recall of all personnel previously assigned to the Roberts International Airport (RIA) over misconduct concerns. Out of the eight officers withdrawn, OIC Biago said two are under investigation for allegedly underreporting the quantity of narcotics seized during a recent airport operation.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to restoring public trust and protecting Liberian communities from the devastating effects of narcotics.

“We thank our international and local partners, community members, and the media for your continued support. Together, we will dismantle the networks that threaten the very fabric of our society,” the LDEA statement added.

This is a developing story. Details to follow.