Monrovia, Liberia – In a bold and actionable step against the fight drugs in Liberia, President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., has dismissed the top three officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), citing administrative reasons as the country intensifies its war on illicit drugs.
The decision, which took many by surprise, saw the immediate removal of LDEA Director General Mr. Anthony K. Souh, Deputy Director General for Administration Mr. Gwee K. Porkpah, and Deputy Director General for Operations Mr. Sebastian Farr.
The Executive Mansion announced the changes in a statement, framing the shakeup as a critical step toward revitalizing Liberia’s anti-drug efforts, which have faced increasing scrutiny amid growing drug abuse and trafficking across the country.
To fill the leadership vacuum, President Boakai appointed an Interim Management Team drawn from the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the National Security Agency (NSA).
The new team includes: DCP Fitzgerald T. M. Biago (LNP) – appointed Officer-in-Charge of the LDEA
Mr. Ernest T. Tarpeh (NSA) – Deputy for Administration/Investigation &
ACP Patrick B. Kormazu (LNP) – Deputy for Operations
The Interim Team will report directly to the Minister of Justice, who has been tasked with keeping the President regularly informed on the agency’s progress.
“This action,” said President Boakai, “is aimed at strengthening our collective resolve and actions in achieving a country free of illicit drugs and substances ~ a task that the Government is committed to sustaining so as to effect a reversal of the current unacceptable situation.”
The President emphasized that Liberia’s drug crisis poses an “existential threat” to the nation’s future, particularly its youth, while fueling crime, violence, and social instability.
He called on the new leadership to “redouble efforts” in stopping the inflow of narcotics, dismantling trafficking networks, and restoring the integrity of the LDEA’s operations.
As part of the broader reform, President Boakai has directed the Minister of Justice to conduct a comprehensive 90-day review of the agency’s structure and operations. The review is expected to lead to long-term reforms aimed at boosting the effectiveness and accountability of the LDEA.
While the administration has not publicly disclosed the precise details behind the dismissals, the timing and tone suggest mounting frustration with the agency’s handling of the drug epidemic ~ an issue that has dominated public concern in recent months.
With this dramatic intervention, President Boakai appears determined to send a strong message: the war on drugs in Liberia is entering a new, uncompromising phase.
