By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Bomi County, Liberia –
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has expanded its mandatory drug testing program for officers to Bomi County, as part of efforts to ensure accountability and strengthen integrity within the institution.
Announcing the initiative during a community engagement, LDEA Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Baigo said the move is aimed at rooting out drug use among law enforcement personnel.
“Any officer found abusing drugs will be removed. We cannot allow those tasked with protecting the public to engage in the very practices we are fighting against,” Baigo stressed.
The expansion comes as citizens of Bomi County pledged full support to the Agency’s anti-drug campaign. Residents promised to provide timely information on drug-related activities while raising concerns about the impact of drug abuse on safety, education, and community life.
Local leaders commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his government’s strong commitment to the war on drugs, describing the program as a major step in restoring public trust in security institutions.
However, during a community engagement held in Bomi county, residents vowed to work closely with the joint security through the LDEA by providing timely information on drug activities in the county. They raised concerns about constant harassment from drug users, noting that the rise in drug abuse is negatively impacting school enrollment and threatening community safety.
“We cannot leave our clothes or household items outside because they are often taken by those abusing drugs,” residents lamented, while commending the President of Liberia for his unwavering commitment to eliminating illicit drugs from the nation.
Responding, LDEA Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Baigo emphasized the importance of community collaboration in winning the war against drugs.
“LDEA cannot fight this battle alone. We do not know all of the ghettos or the dealers in your county, but we depend on you to share information with us,” OIC Baigo stated.
