Bong County, Liberia – In a strong and wide-ranging statement, the Interim Head of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Fitzgerald Biago, has reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to tackling drug trafficking and substance abuse across Liberia.
Speaking during a community engagement event in Bong County, Biago said the LDEA was joining forces with its Gbarnga’s counterparts and local authorities to combat the growing threat of narcotics, which he described as a direct attack on Liberia’s youth, families, and national security. “We have come today in recognition and collaboration with the effort to join the LDA in Gbarnga, Bong County, in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse that continues to destroy our youthful generation,” said Biago. “This issue poses serious risks to our families, communities, and undermines national security.”
He noted that cities like Gbarnga and other communities across the nation are already suffering the consequences of rampant drug abuse, which affects individuals, families, and entire communities.
Biago emphasized that effective prevention must start at the community level, especially in schools, calling for comprehensive drug education programs that empower young people to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure. “The establishment of effective and comprehensive drug prevention programs in schools is crucial,” he said. “Open dialogue among students, parents, and organizations ensures these programs remain impactful.”
Biago further extended the agency’s educational campaign beyond schools to include motorcyclists, drivers, and other community groups, highlighting their vulnerability to drug-related dangers. Biag called on every segment of society—including educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement, religious leaders, and civil society—to collaborate in creating a unified and strategic national response. “No single group can solve this issue alone,” he warned. “It will take the combined efforts of all—from schools to rehabilitation centers—to fight this menace.”
Additionally, Biago pointed to recent successes, including the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics in Brewville, Montserrado, and the arrest of a major drug importer, as evidence of the agency’s resolve. “We are staying firm in this fight. We will go after drug traffickers, we will dismantle your networks, and we will ensure that you face the full weight of the law,” he declared. “There is no hiding place.”
Moreover, addressing concerns about corruption within security forces, Biago acknowledged reports of some LDEA members aiding traffickers and leaking sensitive information. He assured the public that the agency would investigate and take action. “We are informed that there are members of the Joint Security, especially the LDEA, who are aiding and abetting drug traffickers. We will not hesitate to act,” he said.
Biago also issued a direct appeal to parents, educators, media, and community leaders to support the LDEA’s efforts and report any suspicious drug-related activities in their areas. “This fight is not for the LDEA alone. It is a patriotic duty,” Biag said. “We are working with healthcare providers, the Ministry of Youth, local governments, and traditional leaders. Drug trafficking happens in our communities—and we need your support.”
The Interim Boss concluded by reiterating that aggressive enforcement would be matched by efforts in rehabilitation and recovery, helping affected individuals reintegrate into society. “Rehabilitation and recovery are central to helping individuals reclaim their lives. We are building a network of support focused on prevention, treatment, and reintegration,” he stated.
For her part, Bong County Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris called on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr. to establish a specialized drug court to handle narcotics-related cases in Liberia.
Superintendent Norris said the growing rate of substance abuse among Liberian youth poses a serious threat to the country’s future and demands a stronger legal response. She argued that a dedicated drug court would help expedite drug-related prosecutions, promote accountability, and bolster the government’s overall fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
In addition to the court, Norris also urged the Boakai-Koung administration to establish a national rehabilitation center to provide support and recovery services for drug users. “The time has come for Liberia to take bold and structured steps to address this crisis,” she emphasized.
Other speakers at the event, also join efforts in campaigning the fight beyond just “Saying No,” but moving into drugs hideout and giving community members to join the fight by identify traders and users of narcotics.
