Monrovia- As one of a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit drugs, Inspector Patrick Kormazu of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has led a successful operation that resulted in the seizure of a large consignment of Tramadol and Kush from one of the most notorious and active ghettos located along 72nd Boulevard Road in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.

By Willie N. Tokpah

During the operation, LDEA officers arrested at least two suspected drug dealers and took several drug users into custody.

All individuals are currently being held by the LDEA as investigations continue.

The raid, which was conducted following intelligence gathering and surveillance, targeted what authorities have described as a “major distribution hub” for synthetic opioids and narcotics within the Montserrado area.

Inspector Kormazu, speaking briefly after the operation, stated that the LDEA remains committed to dismantling drug networks and protecting communities from the growing threat of substance abuse.

The LDEA will release a full statement with details of this operation, quantities of drugs seized and charges pending against the suspects.

This latest operation comes amid increased national concern over the rise in Kush abuse, a synthetic drug with highly destructive effects, particularly among Liberia’s youth.

Monrovia – In a landmark move to strengthen accountability and discipline within its ranks, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has announced the results of its first phase of drug testing for employees.

By Patience M. Jones, contributing writer

On Monday, September 1, 2025, the Africa Union Trading Company, Inc., in collaboration with the LDEA Interim Leadership, conducted comprehensive drug tests on more than seventy (70) staff members at the Agency’s headquarters in Monrovia. The process began with the three interim directors before extending to sectional heads, senior officers, and junior staff.

According to the results released, all employees tested negative for any form of illegal substance.

LDEA’s Interim Leadership emphasized that this initiative marks a critical step toward building a drug-free workforce, which is essential for the Agency’s mandate to combat narcotics and safeguard communities across Liberia.

“This is not a one-time measure but part of a broader strategy to uphold integrity and professionalism within the Agency,” the leadership stated, adding that random drug testing will be conducted periodically to ensure discipline and maintain public trust.

The first phase of the exercise covered the headquarters in Monrovia. In the coming days, the program will extend to other parts of Montserrado County and eventually to the remaining 14 counties.

Both the Africa Union Trading Company, Inc. and the LDEA reaffirmed their joint commitment to accountability and transparency, underscoring that a drug-free workforce is vital in the national fight against illicit drugs.

Monrovia – The newly appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Fitzgerald Biago, has convened his first high-level meeting with operational and administrative heads, signaling a no-nonsense approach to discipline, accountability, and professionalism.

By Patience M. Jones, contributing writer

Flanked by his deputies, DCP Biago expressed gratitude to President Joseph N. Boakai for the confidence reposed in him and the new leadership team. He assured that his administration will prosecute the war on drugs with “an aggressive, uncompromising, and coordinated approach,” promising that the Agency’s mandate will be carried out without fear or favor.

In a stern warning to the chain of command, Biago declared that indiscipline, insubordination, and sabotage will not be tolerated, stressing that violators of established administrative procedures will face swift consequences.

To reinforce discipline and protect institutional integrity, the Officer-in-Charge ordered that all operational heads sign a confidentiality code, cautioning that officers caught leaking sensitive information will be severely sanctioned.

He further mandated strict adherence to time, professionalism, and accuracy in duty execution, condemning the circulation of misinformation within the Agency, which he described as a “virus” that undermines operational effectiveness and threatens national security.

Reassuring the Liberian public, DCP Biago vowed that despite the challenges, the LDEA under his command will remain resolute in enforcing the law and pursuing traffickers and abusers “with precision” until the drug menace is defeated.