Monrovia – The fight against trafficking and addiction of illicit drugs remains the greatest national threat, says the newly appointed Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Deputy Commissioner for Police (DCP) Fitzgerald T.M. Biago.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
OIC Biago believes that confronting this crisis requires the full support of every Liberian and as such, he wants all hands on deck to build a society free from the devastating scourge of drugs.
Speaking at a news conference hours after official takeover at the helm of the LDEA, Biago asserted that this fight must begin with “us the men and women” of the Liberia, and as such, a compulsory drugs test for all officers of the Agency would sign in a mark of transparency and accountability.
“Those leading the war against drugs must themselves be beyond reproach. Therefore, I hereby announce the immediate launch of a compulsory nationwide drug test for all LDEA officers. This will set the tone of accountability, integrity, and discipline within our ranks,” declared the acting LDEA boss.
With the proliferation of and abuse of illicit drugs standing tall as one of the gravest national threats confronting Liberia, Biago disclosed that in the coming days, the LDEA will intensify its operations and pursue the sources of drug trafficking and distribution with renewed vigor-without fear or favor.
He called on every citizen to cooperate with the Agency in this fight.
To strengthen public engagement, he announced that the LDEA will shortly establish an anti-drugs Hotline through which citizens can provide critical intelligence to aid our operations.
LDEA Will Come After You
The LDEA acting chief has also issued a stern warning to dealers and users of the bad trade to be mindful as the LDEA will leave no stone unturned in coming after them.
As the LDEA endeavors to heighten the fight against the trafficking and addiction of illicit drugs, Biago vowed that there will be no hiding place this time around for traffickers and users.
“There will be no hiding place. We will pursue you relentlessly, prosecute you vigorously, and ensure that justice is served. The time of impunity is over.”
“In this regard, the LDEA will work closely with the Liberia National Police and all members of the Joint Security in every operation. Let it be made clear: time is running out for those involved in illicit drug trafficking, distribution, and abuse. The LDEA will employ every lawful means to restore sanity and safeguard the future of our beloved nation,” added the LDEA OIC.
The fight against drug addiction and trafficking remains one of the major domestic challenges confronting the Boakai-Koung administration. Despite making the battle against the menace a key campaign promise, the government continues to witness the proliferation of illicit substances ravaging Liberia’s youth population.
This crisis has already forced President Boakai to dismiss two successive leadership teams appointed and confirmed by the Liberian Senate. The latest decision came last week when the President sacked Anthony K. Souh, Director General; Gwee K. Porkpah, Deputy Director General for Administration; and Sebastian Farr, Deputy Director General for Operations.
According to a statement from the Executive Mansion issued Thursday, August 28, the dismissals are part of ongoing efforts to revamp the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and restore public confidence in its operations amid a surge in drug trafficking and abuse—particularly the spread of synthetic substances such as kush.
To fill the leadership vacuum, President Boakai appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitzgerald T. M. Biago as Officer-in-Charge (OIC); Ernest T. Tarpeh, Assistant Director for Special Services at the National Security Agency (NSA), as Deputy for Administration and Investigation; and Assistant Commissioner of Police Patrick B. Kormazu as Deputy for Operations.
Security experts say President Boakai’s move to bring in law enforcement professionals with proven track records signals a tough stance against Liberia’s drug epidemic—now both a public health and national security crisis. But the big question remains: will this interim team deliver real change, or will it be business as usual?
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