By Amos Harris
GBARNGA, Liberia—Deputy Commissioner of Police Biago, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), has called on the people of Nimba County to participate actively in the national fight against illicit drugs. During a community engagement event, DCP Biago emphasized that combating drugs is a shared responsibility, not the sole duty of law enforcement. He warned that without community support, Liberia cannot achieve its goal of becoming a drug-free nation.
“The fight against drugs is not only for the LDEA. It is for every Liberian. Communities must get involved, provide information, and stand with us if we are to save our future generations from the danger of drugs,” DCP Biago stated.
Addressing recent internal challenges, DCP Biago disclosed that officers implicated in the unlawful release of a drug suspect in Nimba would face disciplinary action and the full force of the law. He acknowledged poor performance ratings among LDEA officers in the county but assured the public that those undermining the agency’s credibility “will have no place in the LDEA.”
The LDEA head stressed the importance of collective action, urging religious leaders, motorcycle operators, business owners, traditional authorities, and citizens to strengthen support for anti-drug initiatives. He also announced that the agency plans to introduce a reward system for individuals who provide reliable intelligence leading to the arrest of traffickers and distributors.
DCP Biago further revealed that several policy reforms are underway to rebrand the LDEA and restore public trust in its operations. “This fight cannot be won by law enforcement alone. It requires every community, every parent, every leader, and every youth to play their role. Together, we can build a drug-free Liberia,” he added.
The Nimba engagement is part of the LDEA’s broader community outreach strategy under its new leadership, aimed at rebuilding trust, enhancing collaboration, and mobilizing citizens as partners in the fight against drugs.