By Preston S. Panyonnoh
Tensions have once again erupted within the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) following a controversial memorandum from the Deputy Director of Operations, Sebastian Farr (U-702). The memo, dated July 7, 2025, orders all operational personnel to immediately stop taking instructions from two senior figures, Mr. Abraham O. Payne and Mr. Aaron Karzon. Farr emphasized that his directive must take effect “as of now and NOW,” signaling urgency and authority in the midst of what appears to be an internal power struggle.
The memo further instructed all volunteer personnel, referred to as Action Agents, to cease involvement in operations and instead focus on the agency’s ongoing recruitment process. Farr noted that participation in the formal recruitment drive is essential for employment status within the LDEA, raising questions about the agency’s previous reliance on informal or volunteer operatives. This move is seen by some as an effort to restore professionalism, while others view it as a purge of loyalists linked to competing factions within the agency.
The LDEA has a history of leadership crises and internal divisions. The era of former LDEA Director Abraham Kromah was marked by allegations of excessive force and parallel command chains, leading to credibility issues for the institution. Likewise, the time of the Fadigas — Marcus Soko and Fadiga — witnessed administrative disarray and growing discontent among lower-ranking agents. This latest shakeup underlines the ongoing challenges the agency faces in maintaining a unified command structure.
As the agency continues to battle drug trafficking and organized crime across Liberia, stability within its leadership remains critical. With neither Mr. Payne nor Mr. Karzon responding publicly to the directive yet, many are watching closely to see how the LDEA resolves this internal conflict. For now, the Deputy Director’s memo signals a decisive attempt to reassert control and steer the agency toward a more regulated and accountable operational framework.
