Published: June 27, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia — Eugene Fahngon, director general of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), has called on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to deploy personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to support the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) in the fight against narcotic substances in the country.
Fahngon, delivering the keynote address at a program marking the observance of World Anti-Drug Day, urged the president to take drastic measures to combat the growing threat posed by synthetic drugs like “kush.”
“I am calling on the president, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, to declare war on drugs and substance abuse — not metaphorically, but structurally. Not only through words, but with action. Use weapons of policy, investment, manpower, technology, and, if necessary, lethal weapons,” he said.
Fahngon stressed that involving the army would not amount to militarizing the fight, but rather securing the state against the threat posed by narcotics.
He praised President Boakai’s earlier declaration of a state of emergency and the administration’s drug tests — including those taken by Vice President Jeremiah Koung and senior officials — but said the government must go further.
“If the evidence is clear, we must accept that the threat is real. Declaring a state of emergency was the right first step, but it can only alert us. It cannot defend us. The time has come to move from emergency to engagement, from alert to assault, from reaction to action,” he said.
The national observance was held under the theme, “The Evidence Is Clear — Invest in Prevention Without Delay,” while the global theme was “Break the Cycle: #StopOrganizedCrime.”
Fahngon Pushes for Army at Border Points
Fahngon said the military’s deployment alongside LDEA agents at border entry points would serve as a deterrent to traffickers seeking to smuggle large quantities of drugs into Liberia.
He lamented the limited support for the LDEA, describing the agency’s logistical and funding gaps as a “national misfortune” that could derail the fight against drugs.
“If this war must be won, we must first reinforce those already in the battle. The LDEA has shown exceptional courage, resolve and discipline,” he said.
Despite scarce resources, he added, the agency had recorded major achievements, including the seizure of 9,651.32 kilograms of narcotics valued at 941 million Liberian dollars over the past year.
He praised the LDEA for its enforcement efforts, noting the prosecution of more than 33 drug traffickers with support from the Ministry of Justice, some of whom have received up to 20 years in prison. He also highlighted the training of 548 officers in border and intelligence operations.
Fahngon commended the LDEA for drafting a five-year strategic plan to guide the agency’s operations and offered five key recommendations: joint security support, acquisition of drones and surveillance equipment, finalization of the national policy on drug enforcement, community mobilization including traditional leaders, and stronger protection of whistleblowers.
Justice Ministry, Youth Ministry Voice Support
Justice Minister Oswald Tweh said the proliferation of drugs poses a threat beyond law enforcement, requiring a collective national response. He encouraged communities to expose drug dens, which are often operated by individuals known to their neighbors.
“In line with today’s theme, we must invest in prevention and empower our youth to avoid harmful substances,” he said.
LDEA Director Anthony Suoh said the agency’s success depends heavily on community cooperation. He urged residents to report traffickers and dealers in their midst.
“The consequences of drug abuse are enormous and affect every aspect of society,” he said.
Also speaking was the Minister of Youth and Sports, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in youth and pledged his ministry’s support to the national anti-drug campaign.
March, Drug Destruction Mark Day’s Events
The celebration included a parade and the public burning of seized drugs along the Roberts International Airport Highway.
A parallel event was held in Gbarnga, Bong County, where the LDEA burned illegal drugs valued at $55,292.39.
Deputy LDEA Commander in Bong, Lewis N. Geelar, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the national effort.
Among the drugs destroyed were 1,145.2 grams of kush valued at L$4,351,760 (US$22,904), along with 130.3 grams of cocaine valued at L$1,333,800 (US$7,020), as well as heroin, marijuana and tramadol.
World Anti-Drug Day is commemorated each year on June 26.
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