Monrovia, Liberia — August 10, 2026: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has indefinitely suspended former Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald Biago from the Liberia National Police and ordered a further investigation into alleged ethical transgressions, while appointing a new leadership team to take charge of the country’s drug enforcement agency.
According to an Executive Mission release, the decision followed the President’s review of an investigative report submitted by the Ministry of Justice concerning Verity News investigation involving allegations surrounding the former LDEA boss and the country’s ongoing fight against illicit narcotics.
In the report, investigators did not establish Fitzgerald Biago’s involvement in illegal narcotics trafficking. However, the investigation identified ethical concerns involving the former LDEA official that President Boakai said warrant further scrutiny to determine whether additional administrative or other appropriate actions should be taken.
Following a marathon meeting of the National Security Council on Monday evening, President Boakai emphasized that allegations of misconduct must be handled fairly and in accordance with due process, stressing that while no individual should be condemned without evidence, public officials must remain accountable when questions concerning their integrity arise.
Against this backdrop, President Boakai appointed Major General (Retired) Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr. as Director General of the LDEA, pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
The President also appointed Precious Rue as Deputy Director General for Operations and Prince Mulbah as Deputy Director General for Administration. The three officials are expected to assume their respective responsibilities immediately in an acting capacity pending Senate confirmation upon the Legislature’s return later this year.
Major General Ziankahn is a veteran military and national security official who previously served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia and Minister of National Defense. He also most recently served as Military Advisor to President Boakai.
The appointment is being viewed by the administration as part of efforts to strengthen Liberia’s institutional response to drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. The new LDEA leadership has been instructed to work closely with the Joint Security, the Ministry of Justice and international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks, improve border security, and strengthen intelligence and enforcement capabilities.
President Boakai has repeatedly described narcotics trafficking as one of the most serious threats to Liberia’s national security, public health and development. His administration has pledged a zero-tolerance approach to drug trafficking, corruption and organized crime.
The President said the latest leadership changes followed the Ministry of Justice’s investigative findings and are intended to reinforce accountability and strengthen the country’s drug enforcement institutions.
Mr. Ernest Tarpeh, who previously served as Deputy Director General of the LDEA, has meanwhile been reassigned to his former position at the National Security Agency.
President Boakai urged the newly appointed LDEA leadership to prioritize the protection of Liberia’s youth and communities from the effects of illicit drugs.
“Our fight against drugs is a fight for the future of Liberia,” President Boakai said, adding that his administration would continue to strengthen state institutions, uphold high ethical standards for public officials and pursue individuals involved in drug trafficking or aiding and abetting the trade.
The latest developments come amid heightened national concern over narcotics trafficking and the need for stronger coordination among Liberia’s security and law enforcement institutions.
