-With Motorcycles, Internet Gear
MONROVIA – The United States government has bolstered the operational capacity of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) with the handover of 15 motorcycles and internet equipment.
The equipment, procured through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) via the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), was formally presented at the LDEA Headquarters in Monrovia on May 21.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Joseph Zadrozny officiated the handover, describing the fight against drug trafficking as a “shared American priority” that directly affects both Liberian and U.S. security interests.
“Drug trafficking networks that exploit West Africa as a transit corridor threaten both our nations,” Zadrozny told an audience of LDEA officers and government officials. “Your work here safeguards Liberian communities from the corrosive effects of the drug trade and makes you a stronger partner with the United States.”
The new assets are expected to significantly enhance the LDEA’s mobility and communications, enabling officers to respond more quickly to narcotics operations across Liberia’s fifteen counties.
Since 2005, INL has programmed more than $150 million to support civilian security and justice programs in Liberia. Beginning in 2013, the bureau played a leading role in reforming the LDEA, including training, mentoring, and equipment provision.
While INL’s large-scale law enforcement programs formally concluded in December 2023, the Chargé emphasized that U.S. support remains active.
“Our commitment to Liberia’s security sector has not wavered,” Zadrozny said. “We continue to support the LDEA and other agencies through targeted assistance, including counternarcotics programs, mentoring, and access to regional and international training opportunities.”
Attendees included Minister of Justice Counselor Oswald Tweh, who welcomed the renewed assistance. Also present were Deputy Commissioner of Police and LDEA Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald T.M. Biago, Deputy Officer-in-Charge for Administration and Investigation Ernest T. Tarpeh, and Deputy Officer-in-Charge for Operations ACP Patrick B. Kormaz.
The Chargé publicly recognized Deputy Commissioner Biago for his long-standing partnership with INL dating back to 2011, praising his dedication to professionalism and operational readiness throughout his career in Liberian law enforcement.
