By: Julius Konton
Liberian leader, Joseph Nyuma Boakai has urged law enforcement officers over discipline, professionalism, and accountability in ongoing national fight against illicit drugs.
In a bold step to intensify the fight against drug trafficking and abuse across Liberia, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Tuesday officially handed over 15 brand-new vehicles to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), calling on its officers to take full responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of the country from the dangers of illegal narcotics.
During a brief but significant ceremony held at the Executive Mansion grounds, President Boakai emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to a drug-free Liberia and challenged LDEA personnel to act with professionalism, integrity, and discipline.
“Your responsibility is to keep this country safe from drugs,” President Boakai stated. “We must begin to love our country and be responsible citizens. Take Liberia as ours and protect it accordingly”, he re-emphasized.
The Liberian leader urged officers to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct while discharging their duties and to ensure that the new vehicles are used strictly for operational purposes in the national interest.
“This presentation is not just about logistics; it’s a symbol of trust and commitment to your work.
These vehicles should be used and maintained properly to support your operations and reach hotspots across the country,” he added.
The donation brings the LDEA’s total operational vehicles to 21, up from just six previously available.
Authorities say this expansion significantly enhances the agency’s mobility and response capacity, particularly in drug-affected communities.
Speaking to journalists following the presentation, Fitzgerald Biago, Acting Officer-in-Charge of the LDEA, expressed gratitude to the President and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fighting drug-related crimes nationwide.
“We are excited about this tangible support. With these additional vehicles, we are more empowered to hit the ground running and intensify our operations in all key hotspots,” Biago said.
He highlighted that the agency has already put in place a fleet management system and deployment metrics to ensure proper use and maintenance of the vehicles.
A zero-tolerance policy on vehicle misuse is being enforced, particularly for drivers, with public safety as a top priority, he added.
Biago also emphasized that the LDEA’s strategy hinges on intelligence gathering, community surveillance, and proactive enforcement to dismantle drug networks and reduce abuse across Liberia.
The agency also plans to increase visibility in high-risk areas and strengthen coordination with regional and international partners.
The ceremony marks a key milestone in President Boakai’s broader national agenda to address the growing drug crisis in Liberia, which has been linked to rising crime, youth addiction, and cross-border trafficking.
As the government continues to invest in security and law enforcement, President Boakai reiterated the need for collaboration across all sectors of society, including communities, parents, schools, and religious institutions.
“Drugs are destroying our future, We all must work together to stop this menace and Let the LDEA be an example of what national service and commitment should look like,” he urged the larger population especially law enforcement officers.
