SPEECH BY DCP Fitzgerald T.M. BIAGO SPEECH BY DCP Fitzgerald T.M. BIAGO
Officer-In-Charge, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA)
Presentation of First Quarter Report – 2026

Distinguished Guests, Development Partners, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Today, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency proudly presents its First Quarter Report for 2026. This report demonstrates progress, reform, accountability, and intensified national action against illicit drugs and substance abuse in Liberia.

Guided by the leadership of His Excellency President Joseph Nyamah Boakai, and in line with the Government of Liberia’s declaration that drug abuse is a national security and public health emergency, the LDEA continues to strengthen enforcement, prevention, and institutional reforms nationwide.

During the first quarter of 2026, the LDEA arrested two hundred thirty-three (233) suspects connected to drug trafficking and illicit narcotics activities nationwide. Of this number, one hundred ninety-three (193) were males, representing 83%, while forty (40) were females, representing 17%.

The nationality breakdown includes:
One hundred ninety-five (195) Liberians
Seventeen (17) Nigerians
Twelve (12) Sierra Leoneans
Nine (9) Guineans
All suspects were investigated and forwarded to court for prosecution in line with the laws of Liberia.

Operationally, the Agency seized a total of four hundred twenty-two point zero eight kilograms (422.08 kg) of assorted narcotics, including:
115.66 kg of Kush
248.56 kg of Marijuana
0.56 kg of Cocaine
57.30 kg of Tramadol

These drugs carry an estimated value of over US$433,950 and more than LD$103 million on the local market.

Notably, major border operations at Bo-Waterside in Grand Cape Mount County led to the confiscation of approximately US$1.337 million suspected to be linked to transnational drug trafficking activities — a breakthrough in disrupting organized criminal networks operating across borders.

At the same time, the LDEA remains firmly committed to integrity and accountability. Officers linked to allegations of misconduct and evidence tampering are currently under active investigation, reinforcing the Agency’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption and unprofessional conduct.

Institutionally, the Agency made significant progress during this quarter. One hundred ten (110) Action Agents were vetted and enrolled at the Liberia National Police Academy for formal recruit training, while thirty (30) senior staff commenced leadership and managerial training programs. The Agency also introduced mandatory random drug testing for personnel as part of ongoing professionalization and reform efforts.

To improve operational effectiveness, the LDEA established a vehicle tracking and risk management system, strengthened evidence management procedures, initiated the development of Standard Operating Procedures, and advanced plans for the relocation and renovation of a modern headquarters facility.

Beyond enforcement, the Agency intensified nationwide prevention and awareness efforts. Through engagements in schools, communities, churches, mosques, youth groups, and civil society organizations, the LDEA directly reached more than 2,500 citizens, students, and stakeholders with anti-drug awareness and prevention messages.

Importantly, comparative data from the last quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 show a significant reduction in drug proliferation. Drug seizures declined from 5,186.17 kilograms in late 2025 to 422.08 kilograms in early 2026 — representing a 91.86% reduction, an indication of increased pressure on traffickers and strengthened national enforcement efforts.

Despite these gains, challenges remain. Limited logistics, inadequate surveillance technology, and increasingly sophisticated trafficking methods continue to threaten the effectiveness of anti-drug operations nationwide. We therefore call for sustained support from the Government of Liberia, international partners, civil society organizations, and the Liberian people.

The fight against drugs is not the responsibility of the LDEA alone; it is a shared national responsibility.

On behalf of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, I extend sincere appreciation to the Government of Liberia, our security institutions, international partners, community leaders, civil society actors, and the dedicated officers and personnel of the LDEA for their continued commitment and sacrifice in protecting our nation.

Together, we will continue to build a safer, stronger, and drug-free Liberia.

I thank you.

The LDEA urges the public to continue assisting in the fight against drug trafficking by reporting any suspicious activities through its hotlines;0777133333/0888133333

Signed:
S/A G. Olando Demey
Chief, Public Relations Department
Liberia Drug Enforcement