LDEA dismissed officials
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., has, for administrative reasons and with immediate effect, dismissed the three high ranking officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
Director General, Mr. Anthony K. Souh, Deputy Director General for Administration, Mr. Gwee K. Porkpah and Deputy Director General for Operations, Mr. Sebastian Farr were today, 28th August, dismissed by the Liberian leader days after controversy over the suspension of Chief of Operations Abraham O. Payne (U-704) following the emergence of an audio recording allegedly implicating him instructing the release of his daughter who was reportedly arrested in a ghetto.
The President has at the same time appointed an Interim Management Team to steer the affairs of the LDEA pending further actions and the appointment of a new management team.
President Boakai however, has set up an Interim Team comprising:
1. DCP. Fitzgerald T. M. Biago of the Liberia National Police (LNP), to serve as Officer-in-Charge (OIC)
2. Mr. Ernest T. Tarpeh, Assistant Director for Special Services, National Security Agency (NSA), to serve as Deputy for Administration/Investigation
3. ACP. Patrick B. Kormazu of the Liberia National Police, to serve as Deputy for Operations
The Interim Management Team will regularly report to the Minister of Justice, who in turn will keep the President fully updated on the operations and performance of the LDEA, according to a statement from the Executive Mansion.
President Boakai expressed confidence that the officials seconded to the Interim Team will demonstrate professionalism, diligence, commitment, and integrity in the execution of their duties.
He emphasized that this decisive action is intended to strengthen Liberia’s collective resolve in eradicating the scourge of illicit drugs and substances in the country.
“This action,” the President stressed, “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 so as to effect a reversal of the current unacceptable situation.”
The President urged the Interim Team to redouble efforts in preventing the inflow of illicit drugs, combating drug trafficking and distribution, and dismantling drug networks across the country. He further noted that drug and substance abuse pose existential threats to Liberia’s future, especially its children, while fueling crime, violence, and instability.
Meanwhile, the President has mandated the Minister of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of the structure, functions, and operations of the LDEA and submit a report with recommendations within ninety (90) days.
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