Published: September 5, 2025
MONROVIA — The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) says it is preparing a new enforcement strategy to back the government’s sweeping ban on Shisha and restrictions on Tramadol, pledging to crack down on drug networks fueling the country’s addiction crisis.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, the LDEA’s officer-in-charge, told reporters Thursday at the Ministry of Information’s regular briefing that a framework is being finalized to operationalize the Ministry of Health’s order.
“Currently, we don’t have a strategic framework to implement the policy,” Biago said. “In the coming days, we will be partnering with the Ministries of Health, Internal Affairs, Youth and Sports, and Commerce to develop a framework that ensures effective enforcement.”
Biago disclosed that the LDEA has already drafted a 90-day operational plan developed with communities, civil society organizations and partners. The plan calls for establishing a tactical response team, dismantling trafficking networks, demolishing ghettos, and confronting criminal cartels.
He said the agency is also moving to boost staff capacity and roll out administrative reforms to strengthen its response.
The Ministry of Health last month declared a nationwide moratorium on Tramadol and a total ban on Shisha, effective August 22. Under the new directive, Tramadol can only be dispensed in licensed hospitals under medical supervision, while Shisha is prohibited in all public and private spaces, including bars, nightclubs and homes.
Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto, who also chairs the presidential steering committee on drugs, said the measures are “decisive and non-negotiable” steps to curb Liberia’s worsening drug epidemic.
“Liberia is in the grip of a dangerous drug crisis, and the Ministry of Health will enforce this law with the full weight of government authority,” Kpoto said.
Biago pledged that the LDEA will not shy away from the challenge. “We will not be afraid in carrying out our pending operations,” he said.
For many observers, the agency’s vow signals the government’s intent to follow through on one of its boldest public health and security measures yet.
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