MONROVIA, Aug. 28 — The President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., has appointed an interim management team to oversee the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) while a permanent team is being selected.
The new leadership includes Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, who will serve as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC). He is joined by Mr. Ernest T. Tarpeh, Assistant Director for Special Services at the National Security Agency, as Deputy for Administration and Investigation, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Patrick B. Kormazu as Deputy for Operations.
These appointments, announced on Thursday, August 28, 2025, follow the dismissal of three senior LDEA officials for administrative reasons. Those relieved of their posts are Director General Anthony K. Souh, Deputy Director General for Administration Gwee K. Porkpah, and Deputy Director General for Operations Sebastian Farr.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Boakai has instructed the new interim team to report directly to the Minister of Justice, who will keep the president regularly updated on the agency’s performance.
President Boakai expressed confidence in the professionalism and integrity of the new leaders, describing the move as a decisive step toward strengthening Liberia’s fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, which he called “existential threats to the nation’s security and future.”
“This action is aimed at strengthening our collective resolve and actions in achieving a country free of illicit drugs and substances, a task that the government is committed to sustaining so as to effect a reversal of the current unacceptable situation,” the president stated. He also urged the interim team to step up efforts to prevent the inflow of illicit drugs, dismantle trafficking networks, and curb drug-related crime nationwide.
In addition, President Boakai has directed the Minister of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of the LDEA’s structure, functions, and operations. The minister is required to submit a report with recommendations within 90 days.