The General Auditing Commission (GAC) performance audit of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has raised alarm over the shortages of trained personnel, poor working conditions, inadequate equipment and weak support for officers
The findings covering the period 2022 to 2025, examined whether measures taken by the LDEA were effective in preventing and detecting the illegal importation of drugs into Liberia.
The audit found that the agency is operating with a large number of untrained personnel and volunteers, while many of its county offices lack the basic facilities and equipment needed to support law enforcement operations.
According to the report, the LDEA has 119 academy-trained officers, 510 untrained permanent officers and more than 900 volunteers working at its headquarters and across the counties.
“The LDEA relies heavily on volunteer personnel, who play a critical role in field operations despite not undergoing formal academy training,” the report said.
The auditors said the staffing situation could affect the agency’s ability to properly conduct investigations, monitor border entry points and respond to drug-related activities.
The report recommended that the LDEA carry out a full assessment of its staffing, training and logistical needs and determine how much funding would be required to address the gaps.
County Offices in Poor Condition
The audit also found that several LDEA offices outside Monrovia are operating under difficult conditions.
Auditors reported overcrowded offices, poor ventilation, inadequate sanitation, unreliable electricity and shortages of computers and printers.
The report said the lack of proper office space has forced some officers to prepare sensitive documents in private and unsecured locations, creating the possibility of confidential information being exposed.
“The LDEA offices across the counties are critically inadequate and pose significant issues to effective law enforcement and drug control,” the audit stated.
Officers Lack Basic Enforcement Equipment
The report also highlighted shortages of basic equipment used during arrests and field operations.
Among the items identified were handcuffs, batons and pepper spray.
According to the auditors, some officers are forced to purchase equipment with their own money because the agency does not provide enough of these items.
The audit recommended that the LDEA determine the amount of equipment needed for operations, calculate the cost and submit the request to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the National Legislature for consideration.
No Medical Insurance for Personnel
The audit also raised concerns about the welfare of LDEA officers and volunteers.
It found that the agency does not have a medical insurance arrangement covering its employees and long-serving volunteers.
Officers who become sick or injured are therefore often left to cover their own medical expenses, while their families may also be forced to shoulder the cost.
The auditors recommended that medical insurance coverage be provided for LDEA personnel and long-serving volunteers.
Public Awareness Efforts Considered Weak
The audit found that the LDEA is also not making enough use of radio, social media and SMS messaging to educate the public about drug abuse and trafficking.
The report said the agency’s public awareness efforts are inadequate despite growing concerns about drug use, particularly among young people.
The auditors called for stronger public education campaigns that use platforms capable of reaching communities across the country.
Rehabilitation Services Remain Limited
Another concern raised in the audit is the lack of rehabilitation facilities for people affected by drug use.
The report said the LDEA does not have enough facilities across Liberia to provide services such as counseling, education, vocational training and behavioral therapy.
“The current landscape of drug rehabilitation services in Liberia reveals a significant gap in institutional capacity and infrastructure,” the report stated.
The auditors said expanding rehabilitation services would give people struggling with drug addiction a better chance of recovery and reintegration into society.
Audit Calls for More Funding and Support
The audit also recommended that the LDEA establish an impress fund to help it respond to operational and emergency needs.
However, the agency was cautioned to account for previously disbursed funds before receiving additional money.
In its overall conclusion, the audit said the LDEA is facing “significant operational and logistic problems” that are affecting its ability to carry out its responsibilities.
The report said the agency’s headquarters does not have enough logistical capacity to effectively coordinate personnel and operations across Liberia’s 15 counties.
It recommended stronger government support, improved training, and adequate equipment, better working conditions and improved welfare for LDEA personnel.
The audit was conducted under the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI 300) and other relevant performance-auditing standards.
Auditors reviewed documents and interviewed officials from the LDEA, Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Customs and LDEA county offices as part of the assessment.
The findings highlight significant institutional gaps within the country’s lead drug enforcement agency and raise questions about whether the LDEA currently has the resources needed to effectively respond to Liberia’s growing drug trafficking and substance abuse challenges.
