EDITORAL: A New Era for Liberia’s War on Drugs: Commendation for the LDEA New Team

IN THE LEAD-UP to the 2023 general and presidential elections, the Unity Party leveraged the pervasive drug scourge in Liberia as a key campaign issue. However, the initial months of the new administration’s tenure were marked by disappointment, with many questioning whether the government was truly committed to addressing the issue.

FAST-FORWARD TO the present, and it’s clear that the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has turned a corner under the leadership of its current team. The agency has made extraordinary strides in a short time, demonstrating its commitment to tackling the drug pandemic. The recent seizure of millions of dollar worth of illicit substances, including a recent bust of KUSH valued at over L$1 million in West Point, linked to 70-year-old suspect Mrs. Lucy S. Morris, is a testament to the agency’s resolve.

THE LDEA HAS also made significant arrests, with several individuals facing prosecution under the Amended Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Moreover, the agency has intensified sensitization and awareness efforts, taking the message of drug prevention and abuse to every nook and cranny of Liberia.

HOWEVER, WE MUST note that the fight against drugs requires a holistic approach. Historically, the LDEA has focused primarily on interdiction and information gathering, with less emphasis on prevention, harm reduction, and treatment. This approach has yielded limited results, as Liberia continues to grapple with the scourge of drug abuse.

AS A SIGNATORY to various international conventions and protocols, Liberia has committed to addressing drug abuse through a balanced approach that includes prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. It’s time for the LDEA to prioritize a more comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of drug addiction and provides support to those struggling with substance abuse.

FURTHERMORE, IT’S STRIKING that despite its establishment in 1998, the LDEA is yet to adopt a national policy on narcotics drugs and substances, not to mention a strategic plan. This gap hinders effective drug control and prevention efforts. We urge the new leadership to prioritize the development and adoption of these critical documents.

A NATIONAL POLICY on narcotics drugs and substances would outline the government’s stance, goals, and strategies for drug control, prevention, and treatment. A strategic plan would provide a roadmap for achieving the policy’s objectives, including research, prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. These documents would enhance coordination, inform evidence-based decision-making, and improve the agency’s effectiveness.

WE CALL ON the Officer-in-Charge and team to make the fight against drugs holistic and balanced by adopting a more comprehensive approach and developing these critical documents. We believe the LDEA can build on its recent successes and make a meaningful impact on Liberia’s war on drugs by doing the following:

• Increasing investment in prevention and awareness programs that target vulnerable populations, particularly youth.
• Expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation services for those struggling with substance abuse.
• Implementing harm reduction strategies that prioritize public health and safety.
• Enhancing collaboration with civil society organizations and community groups to leverage their expertise and resources.
• Developing and adopting a national policy on narcotics drugs and substances, accompanied by a comprehensive strategic plan

AGAIN, WE COMMEND the agency’s leadership and team for their dedication and hard work. As we look to the future, we urge them to continue on their path, working tirelessly to build a safer, more prosperous Liberia for all.