By: Julius Konton
The Executive Director of the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD), James Koryor, has called national attention to the troubling state of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the urgent need for immediate reform.
According to Mr. Koryor, to restore public trust and credibility, the Agency must undergo a comprehensive restructuring—from its rank-and-file private officers up through the office of the Director General.
The move among other things is anchored on accountability, transparency, and professionalism.
Mr. Koryor stressed that his call is being reinforced in light of a recent disturbing development.
A leaked audio recording has surfaced in which the LDEA’s Chief of Operations was heard threatening a junior officer to release a suspected drug dealer.
“Such conduct undermines the integrity of the Agency and weakens Liberia’s already fragile fight against drugs,” Koryor noted, as he strongly condemned the abuse of power and called for the Chief of Operations’ immediate dismissal and prosecution under the laws of Liberia, however, the senior officer has been suspended by the LDEA but the GASD’s boss wants immediate dismissal.
The GASD Executive Director further urged the Executive Mansion, the Ministry of Justice, and the Director General of the LDEA to act without delay.
“The fight against drugs cannot be won if those entrusted with the highest responsibility to protect the public are themselves found to be compromising justice. Silence and inaction in the face of this troubling situation will only deepen public mistrust and embolden criminal networks,” Koryor emphasized.
Speaking on the wider crisis, Koryor warned that Liberia is facing an escalating drug emergency that has left devastating consequences in communities nationwide.
He pointed to the spread of the synthetic drug Kush and other narcotics, which are destroying the lives of young people, contributing to school dropouts, family breakdown, rising crime, and intergenerational poverty.
“In Monrovia alone, hundreds of drug dens operate openly, while women and youth are increasingly exploited in the trade as a means of survival.
This is a national emergency that requires urgent and coordinated action,” he reechoed.
Mr. Koryor recalled that former law enforcement officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders have all sounded the alarm that Liberia’s future is at stake if the drug epidemic is not addressed decisively.
He argued that the recent revelations within the LDEA only add to these concerns and highlight the urgent need for structural reforms and renewed public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Koryor reaffirmed GASD’s commitment to a holistic, evidence-based approach to the drug crisis.
“Our advocacy goes beyond slogans and crackdowns. We are calling for a balanced strategy that integrates prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement.
A system that invests in young people, strengthens families, and builds resilient communities will prove far more effective than reactive raids and temporary interventions,” he said.
The GASD Executive Director also underscored his organization’s demand for transparency in government’s drug response.
“We have requested access to key policy documents, including the National Action Plan and reports from the Presidential Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee on Drug Abuse, to strengthen collaboration and ensure civil society efforts are aligned with national programs,” Koryor stated.
Mr. Koryor at the same time declared that GASD will remain steadfast in its advocacy for systemic reforms that safeguard the dignity and wellbeing of every Liberian.
“We will continue to champion a national response that upholds the rule of law, prioritizes public health, and restores the credibility of law enforcement agencies.
He indicated that Liberia cannot afford to fail in the fight and the lives of the youth and the future of our country depend on it, he added.
