As the fight against illicit drugs intensifies across the country, the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) continues to play a leading role in dismantling drug networks and destroying ghettos believed to harbor dealers and users. In recent weeks, several ghettos, drug dens, and suspected dealers’ houses have been demolished through joint operations carried out by community members and officers of the LDEA. Speaking on the popular radio program “OK Morning Rush”, the Officer-in-Charge of the LDEA, Fitzgerald Biago, made a firm statement that no ghetto should exist in the Republic of Liberia.
He called on citizens to report any such locations to the agency for immediate action. “There should be no ghetto existing in Liberia,” Biago asserted. “I have already instructed my staff, and we are committed to ensuring this. Anywhere there is an LDEA office and a known ghetto still operating, that commander will be dismissed.” He emphasized that the presence of ghettos in communities undermines the government’s ongoing anti-drug campaign. According to him, if a community has an LDEA team but continues to harbor ghettos, then the officers assigned there are failing in their duties and will face administrative consequences.
Biago also extended his appreciation to President Joseph N. Boakai for his support in strengthening the LDEA’s operations. He revealed that the President has provided fifteen (15) vehicles to enhance the agency’s mobility and effectiveness in combating drug-related activities nationwide. Despite these efforts, Biago acknowledged that the fight against drugs cannot be won by the LDEA alone. He therefore called for greater collaboration between the agency and various sectors of society including community leaders, schools, religious institutions, and motorcyclist unions to collectively raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
“One of my broader visions is to involve communities, religious institutions, and schools in this fight,” he said. “Because of drugs, our country is no longer safe. Students, parents, and citizens now live in fear. We must all work together to send a clear message that drugs are harmful to everyone.” Biago concluded by urging all Liberians to take responsibility in protecting their communities, stressing that the elimination of ghettos and drug dens is not just a law enforcement duty, but a national obligation to safeguard the country’s future.
Author: Gesther Ghampson
