President Joseph N. Boakai has, with immediate effect, dismissed several top officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) for administrative reasons.
The dismissed officials are Anthony K. Souh, Director General; Gwee K. Porkpah, Deputy Director General for Administration; and Sebastian Farr, Deputy Director General for Operations.
At the same time, President Boakai has appointed an interim management team to steer the affairs of the LDEA pending further actions and the appointment of a new management team.
The interim team comprises of DCP. Fitzgerald T. M. Biago of the Liberia National Police (LNP), to serve as Officer-in-Charge (OIC); Ernest T. Tarpeh, Assistant Director for Special Services, National Security Agency (NSA), to serve as Deputy for Administration/Investigation; and ACP. Patrick B. Kormazu of the Liberia National Police, to serve as Deputy for Operations.
According to an Executive Mansion press release, the interim management team will regularly report to the Minister of Justice, who in turn will keep the President fully updated on the operations and performance of the LDEA.
President Boakai expressed confidence that the officials seconded to the interim team will demonstrate professionalism, diligence, commitment, and integrity in the execution of their duties.
He emphasized that this decisive action is intended to strengthen Liberia’s collective resolve in eradicating the scourge of illicit drugs and substances in the country.
“This action,” the President said, “is aimed at strengthening our collective resolve and actions in achieving a country free of illicit drugs and substances, a task that the government is committed to sustaining so as to effect a reversal of the current unacceptable situation.”
The President urged the interim team to redouble efforts in preventing the inflow of illicit drugs, combating drug trafficking and distribution, and dismantling drug networks across the country. He further noted that drug and substance abuse pose existential threats to Liberia’s future, especially its children, while fueling crime, violence and instability.
Meanwhile, the President has mandated the Minister of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of the structure, functions, and operations of the LDEA, and submit a report with recommendations within ninety (90) days.
