By: Julius Konton
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has intensified its national campaign to combat the growing drug crisis, with Deputy Director for Administration and Investigation Ernest Tarpeh reaffirming the agency’s unwavering commitment to making Liberia a drug-free nation.
Speaking to reporters in Nimba County during an ongoing internal vetting and drug-testing exercise, Mr. Tarpeh emphasized that the agency remains resolute in rooting out drug use and trafficking not just among civilians but also within its own ranks.
“We will fight drugs to the very end and ensure that Liberia becomes a drug free country,” Tarpeh declared. “We cannot be fighting drug abuse while our own officers are involved in the same act. This is why every agent must undergo drug testing”, he maintained.
As part of the agency’s internal reforms, over 50 LDEA agents in Nimba County have been subjected to comprehensive medical drug tests, screening for up to 13 different controlled substances.
According to Deputy Tarpeh, this initiative is critical to building public trust and internal discipline.
“Our agents must lead by example. This exercise is not just a formality, it is the beginning of a stricter accountability regime,” he added.
The LDEA’s interim management team, under his leadership, is aggressively pursuing both domestic users and international traffickers.
Tarpeh noted that Liberia’s porous borders have made it a transit point for drugs smuggled across West Africa, and stopping these traffickers remains a top priority.
Acknowledging the backing of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Tarpeh revealed that the government has recently procured 15 brand-new vehicles to enhance LDEA’s operational efficiency across the country.
“At the moment, we only have three vehicles but once we receive the full fleet, our ability to respond and impact communities across Liberia will significantly increase,” he said.
Tarpeh added that the distribution of vehicles will be done strategically to ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness in the fight against drugs nationwide.
To combat complacency and ensure operational effectiveness, the LDEA has also initiated a rotation of senior officers across counties.
According to Tarpeh, officers currently serving in Nimba County will be reassigned to Grand Cape Mount, and vice versa.
“The goal is to prevent over-familiarity and potential compromise.
A rotating system strengthens accountability and ensures that officers remain vigilant and effective,” he explained.
Recognizing that the drug epidemic cannot be solved by the LDEA alone, Tarpeh called on local communities, civil society organizations, and national stakeholders to actively support the agency’s mission.
“From Nimba to Grand Bassa, and across all counties, we will continue this campaign.
But we need the support of our people, report suspicious activity, raise awareness, and help us protect the next generation,” he urged.
In addition to public support, Tarpeh appealed to the national government for increased investment in the agency’s workforce and logistics.
He recommended a salary increase for LDEA officers to between $300 and $400 USD monthly based on rank and responsibility, arguing that fair compensation would discourage corruption and improve morale.
“A motivated force is a productive force. With better salaries, more manpower, and the right tools, we can win this war,” Tarpeh reemphasized.
As the LDEA continues its bold crackdown, it sends a clear message: the fight against drugs in Liberia is far from over but under its current leadership, it is stronger than ever.
