By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) recently hosted a high-level, four-member delegation from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (U.S. DEA) at its headquarters in Fiamah, Sinkor. The visit, which took place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
The U.S. DEA delegation was led by Attaché Christiana A. Olagbiaye, accompanied by Donnie West, a DEA Diversion Specialist, Divine Ahlivia, and Luis F. Diaz, a representative from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The primary objective of the visit was to familiarize the U.S. DEA team with the LDEA’s operational structure, capabilities, and challenges. It also provided a platform for discussions on future collaboration, capacity building, and resource sharing between the two enforcement agencies.
LDEA Director General Anthony Souh, along with senior officers including Director for Administration Gwee Forkpah and Director for Operations Sabastine Farr, welcomed the delegation. The visitors received a comprehensive tour of the LDEA’s key operational facilities, which included the forensic crime laboratory, prevention and rehabilitation units, and holding cells.
During the tour, technicians from the LDEA’s crime lab demonstrated the use of various drug testing kits and showcased samples of commonly intercepted substances. LDEA officials highlighted that many of the tools on display were donations from international partners, underscoring the importance of global partnerships in Liberia’s anti-drug efforts.
Luis F. Diaz, the UNODC representative, commended the LDEA for its evolving infrastructure and increasing professionalism. He emphasized Liberia’s crucial role in regional drug interdiction due to its strategic coastal location.
In a brief indoor session, Director General Souh expressed gratitude to the U.S. delegation and reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to deepening its partnership with international agencies in the global war on drugs. “This visit is a testament to our shared resolve to combat the trafficking and abuse of illicit substances,” Director Souh stated. “We appreciate the technical and moral support from the U.S. DEA and the UNODC, which are helping us build a more resilient and effective agency.” He also highlighted the LDEA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its institutional framework, including personnel training, public awareness campaigns, and coordination with other law enforcement bodies in the Mano River Union region.
Attaché Christiana Olagbiaye applauded the LDEA’s progress and pledged continued engagement. She stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, joint operations, and technical assistance to curb the rising tide of drug-related crimes in West Africa. “We recognize the unique challenges you face, but we are also encouraged by the progress being made,” Olagbiaye remarked. “The DEA stands ready to support Liberia through knowledge exchange, training, and targeted assistance.”
The visit concluded with an exchange of tokens and commitments for future high-level engagements between the two agencies. Both parties agreed that sustained collaboration and mutual trust remain critical in tackling the transnational threats posed by narcotics trafficking. This engagement marked a significant milestone in the LDEA’s drive to enhance its international partnerships and solidify its role as a key player in regional and global drug enforcement efforts.