MONROVIA – In a move to address the escalating national drug epidemic, the Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse has partnered with local government authorities to launch a new community-focused initiative, the Community Anti-Drug Action Team (CADAT).
The announcement, made via an official press release dated August 23, 2025, marks a significant step in Liberia’s strategy to empower local communities to directly confront the threats of drug abuse and trafficking. The CADAT program is designed to serve as a critical link between national policy and on-the-ground action.
A United Front Against Drugs
The CADAT framework brings together a diverse group of 15 key community stakeholders. Its composition includes representatives from local government, women’s and youth groups, religious leaders, civil society, health professionals, and law enforcement agencies, including the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
According to the Committee, CADAT’s mission is threefold: to educate citizens on the dangers of substance abuse, to promote the early identification and referral of users to treatment services, and to support law enforcement efforts in disrupting local drug networks.
“CADAT will empower citizens to take ownership in protecting their neighborhoods, restoring hope, and building safer, healthier communities free from the devastating impact of drugs,” the Committee stated in its release. The initiative is being promoted under the slogans: “Your Voice, Your Power, Your Community — Together Against Drugs and Substance Abuse,” and “Strong Communities, Drug-Free Liberia.”
Mandate and Hotlines for Reporting
The Team has been given a clear set of responsibilities, which include disseminating vital hotline numbers for the public to report drug-related activity. The provided contacts are:
- Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA): 0777133333
- Ministry of Health (MOH): 0773677740 / 0881950663
Their Terms of Reference (ToR) mandate them to report drug cases to authorities, collaborate with agencies to facilitate arrests, identify and refer users to rehabilitation services, and identify individuals suspected of harboring drug dealers.
The Multi-Sectoral Committee has outlined a concrete plan to roll out the CADAT program across communities. The next steps include establishing local CADAT units in collaboration with community leadership, providing comprehensive orientation and training for all appointed members, establishing toll-free numbers to enhance and simplify reporting for citizens and providing ongoing logistical and technical support to ensure the teams can operate effectively.
