The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has suspended ten of its officers after they tested positive for illegal substances during a nationwide compulsory drug test, as part of an ongoing internal cleanup aimed at promoting integrity within the agency.
Announcing the decision during a public address at Disco Hill, Margibi County, where over $40 million worth of confiscated drugs were destroyed, LDEA Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Fitzgerald T.M. Biago, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to accountability and professionalism in the fight against narcotics.
“In continuation of our drive to clean the LDEA, I’m pleased to announce the results of the drug test conducted across several counties. Out of 406 officers tested, 10 officers failed and have been suspended indefinitely,” Biago disclosed.
According to the report, the officers suspended include: Agent Sunday B. Quato (Bong County); Agents Kabah Walker and David Diamond (Margibi County); Agent Mathew Vaisse (Nimba County); and Agents Mariama Keita, Robertson Boakai, Edwind Flomo, and Authur Benson (Montserrado County). All have been turned over to the LDEA Professional Standards Board for further investigation.
Massive Drug Seizures and Arrests
Between September and October 2025, the LDEA arrested 178 suspected drug traffickers and dealers across Liberia’s 15 political subdivisions. Among the suspects were 113 Liberians, 7 Guineans, 1 Nigerian, 6 Ivorians, and 3 Sierra Leoneans ~ comprising 55 females and 123 males, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years.
The agency also impounded six vehicles, ten motorbikes, and two houses, which remain in custody pending court proceedings.
The seized drugs, with an estimated street value of L$40,671,401.50 (approximately US$218,790.85), included:
Cocaine: 395 grams
Heroin: 147.6 grams
Kush: 5,124 grams
Marijuana: 4,127 kilograms
Tramadol: 111,378 pills
Biago revealed that Marijuana and Kush remain the most widely used drugs in Montserrado County, while Tramadol, Marijuana, and Kush dominate in the rural regions. Intelligence reports further identified Bushrod Island and Paynesville as major drug hotspots in Montserrado County, with Grand Cape Mount and Sinoe Counties accounting for the largest seizures in the leeward areas.
The LDEA boss praised the Government of Liberia for its logistical support, which he said has strengthened the agency’s operational capabilities nationwide.
“This exercise aims to set and maintain a professional and accountable standard within the LDEA. Those who fight drugs must do so with clean hands,” Biago emphasized.
The burning ceremony was witnessed by members of the media, civil society organizations, and international partners at Disco Hill, Margibi County, symbolizing the agency’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law.
