By Christian Appleton
In a significant reshuffling of security leadership in Maryland County, the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has inducted new officers at a formal ceremony held at the Museum headquarters in Harper City. Special Agent Moses Birr, along with his team, takes the helm from outgoing Commander Special Agent Papa S. Gombu. The new leadership team includes Eric M. Fahnbulleh as Deputy Commander and Stephen Zohn as Chief of Operations.
The induction ceremony was attended by a broad spectrum of notable figures, including representatives from the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Fire Service, Liberia Revenue Authority, and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority. Additionally, various youth and women groups, civil society organizations, and county authorities were present to witness the transition.
Special Agent Papa S. Gombu, who is now reassigned to Grand Gedeh County, highlighted his tenure’s successes and challenges. Taking command on April 11, 2023, Gombu led the county through significant milestones, including making 20 arrests, with 18 resulting in convictions and no pretrial detainees currently held at Harper prison.
“When I took over, there was no office space. My team and I had to secure a charge of quarters,” Gombu remarked, emphasizing the importance of proper facilities for effective operations. He handed over five office spaces, two cells for male and female detainees, and an office at the Port of Harper.
Gombu advised his successor to build strong relationships with local authorities, civil society, and traditional leaders, stressing the unique dynamics of working in rural areas compared to urban settings like Montserrado. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with the community during operations to ensure smooth functioning and avoid conflicts.
“In rural areas, you have to liaise with local authorities or traditional leaders to carry out your duties effectively,” Gombu noted, urging Birr to remain patient, respectful, and cooperative with all stakeholders, including the media and his officers.
Special Agent Moses Birr, in his address, acknowledged the global issue of drug abuse and the national emergency declared by President Joseph N. Boakai. Birr committed to working collaboratively with the joint security forces, community leaders, and the public to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Maryland County.
“We cannot sit back and watch the spread of drug trafficking. This is everybody’s business, and we need collective efforts to stop it,” Birr emphasized. He encouraged the community to actively provide information to the LDEA, promising decisive action based on such intelligence.
Birr brings extensive experience to the role, having undergone training both domestically and internationally. He assured continuity of the good work initiated by his predecessor and outlined plans for further training for junior officers.
County Attorney Philip G. Whiega officiated the induction, administering the oath of office to the new officers. He reminded the new leadership that their roles do not grant them the right to infringe on citizens’ rights, emphasizing adherence to the law.
The inventory report revealed the current status of the warehouse, including significant seizures: 100 parcels, 3 cane, and 66kg plate of marijuana, 233 wraps of heroin, 3 scripts of tramadol, 13 wraps of cocaine, and 41 wraps and 4g plastic of kush.
The induction of Special Agent Moses Birr and his team marks a new chapter for the LDEA in Maryland County. With a clear mandate and community support, the new leadership aims to strengthen drug enforcement efforts and maintain peace and security in the region.
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