President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has, with immediate effect, constituted an Interim Management Team at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, LDEA to oversee the Agency until a permanent leadership structure is announced.
According to an Executive Mansion release, those appointed to the interim team are DCP. Fitzgerald T. M. Biago of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Officer-In-Charge (OIC), Mr. Ernest T. Tarpeh, Assistant Director for Special Services, National Security Agency (NSA), Deputy for Administration/Investigation and ACP. Patrick B. Kormazu of the Liberia National Police, Deputy for Operations.
The setting up of an interim management team at the LDEA by President Joseph Boakai followed the sacking of the Agency’s Director General, Mr. Anthony K.Souh, on Thursday, August 28, 2025 along with Deputy Director General for Administration, Mr. Gwee K. Porkpah and Deputy Director General for Operations, Mr. Sebastian Far for what the release calls “Administrative Reasons”.
The decision follows days after the discovery of a disturbing audio recording on social media in which a senior LDEA official is allegedly heard demanding the release of his daughter, who was reportedly caught with narcotic substances.
The development comes at a time when the Boakai administration has vowed to intensify Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs. The Liberian Leader, in the release, expressed confidence that the newly appointed LDEA interim officials will bring professionalism, diligence, and integrity to the task of steering the Agency at a critical juncture. “This action 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 to effect a reversal of the current unacceptable situation,” President Boakai said in an Executive Mansion release.
The President also urged the interim leadership to intensify efforts to prevent the inflow of narcotics, dismantle trafficking networks, and combat drug abuse, which he described as an “existential threat” to Liberia’s future particularly its youth while fueling crime, violence, and instability.
This is the second time President Baoakai has taken administrative action for breach of LDEA’S operational procedures and statues governing the Agency, with the first shake-ups affecting ex- LDEA DG AB Kromah leadership. Meanwhile, President Boakai has directed the Minister of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of the LDEA’s structure, functions, and operations, and to submit recommendations within 90 days.
The Interim Management Team will report regularly to the Justice Minister, who will, in turn, provide updates to the President on the agency’s performance.
