MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has summoned the leadership of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to appear before its Plenary next Tuesday to provide answers regarding the Agency’s fight against drug trafficking.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The decision follows growing concerns over Liberia’s vulnerability to international narcotics operations.
It stemmed from a communication by Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah in which she highlighted concerns stemming from the recent seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The appearance of the LDEA leadership, in the mind of the lawmakers, is necessary as part of the Legislature’s oversight responsibility to assess the Agency’s performance, review ongoing anti-drug efforts, and seek clarity on investigations connected to major drug cases.
In her communication, Rep. Briggs-Mensah acknowledged the seizure as a major achievement in the fight against illicit drugs but argued that the incident simultaneously exposes weaknesses in Liberia’s border security and cargo screening systems.
She warned that the discovery raises serious concerns about Liberia’s growing exposure as a transit point for international drug trafficking networks.
According to the Bong County lawmaker, the LDEA has benefited over the years from government funding, donor assistance, training programs, logistical support, and other resources aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to combat narcotics trafficking.
However, she stressed that lawmakers and the public deserve a comprehensive assessment of the impact of those investments and the challenges that continue to confront the Agency.
“As part of our oversight responsibility, it is important that the leadership of the LDEA provide a comprehensive report on the progress made by the Agency, the impact of support received over the years, the challenges confronting its operations, and measures being implemented to prevent Liberia from becoming a major transit route for narcotics,” Rep. Briggs-Mensah stated.
The House is expected to require the LDEA to provide detailed information on the recent cocaine seizure at RIA, progress made in combating drug trafficking, the status of investigations and prosecutions linked to major drug cases, and ongoing efforts to strengthen border control and cargo screening mechanisms across the country.
Rep. Briggs-Mensah also raised concerns about what she described as a lack of public information regarding the outcome of investigations and prosecutions following major drug seizures.
While drug interceptions are often widely publicized, she noted that little information is usually provided about the individuals responsible for importing, financing, or facilitating the movement of narcotics into Liberia.
She emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence in the country’s justice and security institutions.
The upcoming appearance of the LDEA leadership before Plenary is expected to provide lawmakers with an opportunity to scrutinize the Agency’s operations and evaluate the effectiveness of Liberia’s anti-drug strategy amid increasing concerns about the threat posed by narcotics trafficking to national security, public health, and the country’s youth population.
