MONROVIA – Newly appointed Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Director General Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr. and his two deputies have tested negative for drugs as they prepare to appear before the Liberian Senate for confirmation.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr.
Ziankahn and his deputies, Precious Rue, Deputy Director General for Operations, and Prince Mulbah, Deputy Director General for Administration, underwent drug testing on Wednesday at the Wellness Health Center in Congo Town, outside Monrovia.
A team of journalists witnessed the testing process, and all three officials received negative results. Speaking after the test, Ziankahn said officers responsible for fighting illegal drugs must first demonstrate good character and discipline by setting an example for the public.
He said the decision to undergo testing before their confirmation was intended to show that the new leadership is prepared to follow the laws it is expected to enforce.
“As security officers, especially those fighting drugs, we need to lead the way and set the standards. As you can see here today, we came to do our drug test before going for confirmation,” Ziankahn said.
The LDEA’s fight against illegal drugs is built around four major areas: intelligence-led operations, drug prevention and demand reduction, institutional accountability and professionalism, and coordination with national and international partners under the National Anti-Drug Action Plan.
The agency’s intelligence-led operations are intended to stop the supply of illegal drugs by strengthening border security, monitoring major entry points and targeting trafficking networks that use Liberia as a transit route.
Its prevention and demand-reduction strategy focuses on educating the public, particularly young people, through school anti-drug clubs, community awareness campaigns, treatment and rehabilitation programs.
The agency also seeks to improve discipline and professionalism among its officers through drug testing, proper training and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and misconduct.
Another key part of the strategy is cooperation among security institutions, health authorities, communities and other partners to ensure a coordinated national response.
Ziankahn has pledged to work with these strategies and strengthen their implementation to make the LDEA more effective, disciplined and professional.
He also urged officers of the agency to remain committed, focused and honest in carrying out their responsibilities, stressing that the fight against drugs must begin with accountability within the institution itself.
His appointment comes at a time when the LDEA has faced public criticism and questions about its leadership and effectiveness in fighting drug trafficking.
The leadership change followed the indefinite suspension of former Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald Biago amid major cocaine seizures and investigations involving the agency’s previous administration.
The developments raised concerns about accountability, internal discipline and the agency’s ability to effectively fight the illegal drug trade. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai subsequently appointed Ziankahn and his two deputies in an acting capacity to take charge of the agency while the Senate confirmation process moves forward.
Meanwhile, some Liberians are expressing hope that Ziankahn’s appointment will bring meaningful changes to the LDEA and restore public confidence in an institution that plays a major role in protecting the country from illegal drugs.
Some believe his military and security background could help strengthen discipline within the agency, improve its operations and ensure that officers involved in drug enforcement carry out their duties professionally.
Others expect the new leadership to go beyond arresting street-level drug users and focus more attention on major dealers, suppliers and trafficking networks responsible for bringing illegal substances into the country.
There are also expectations that the new administration will investigate allegations of corruption within the agency, ensure that officers found guilty of misconduct are held accountable and prevent powerful individuals from interfering with drug investigations.
Young people and communities affected by drug abuse are also expected to benefit from stronger public education, prevention programs and rehabilitation services of the Zainkahn’s administration.
However, some Liberians believe the real test of the new leadership will not be its promises but its ability to produce visible results, including reducing the availability of illegal drugs, dismantling trafficking networks and rebuilding public trust.
For many observers, Ziankahn’s appointment presents an opportunity to change the public perception of the LDEA and strengthen the country’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Zainkahn’s Senate confirmation still ahead, expectations are high that the new leadership will work with the agency’s anti-drug strategies and turn them into practical results.
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