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Liberia: Special Communication Recommendations

Recommendations for Upgrades and New Ideals for Strengthening the Scope of Operations of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA)

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The Honorable Minister of Justice

Republic of Liberia

Cc: The Newly Appointed Leadership

Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA)

From: Apostle Tarpeh Lasanah U-sayee, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer, MOSSAD AVENUE

Date: August 28, 2025

Subject: Recommendations for Upgrades and New Ideals for Strengthening the Scope of Operations of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA)

Honorable Minister and Esteemed Leadership,

With profound respect, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Minister of Justice and the newly appointed leadership of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) for their service to the nation at this critical juncture. As a citizen, a professional in the fields of law enforcement and public safety, and as CEO of MOSSAD AVENUE, I deem it a national duty to offer strategic recommendations intended to enhance the operational effectiveness, institutional credibility, and public trust of the LDEA.

  1. Capacity Building and Professional Development

A modern drug enforcement institution must prioritize the continuous training of its personnel. LDEA officers should be exposed not only to traditional enforcement techniques but also to specialized skills, including:

Narcotics investigation and intelligence gathering

Cyber and digital forensics for tracking online drug trafficking networks

Community policing approaches that encourage public cooperation

Regional and international training programs with ECOWAS, UNODC, and INTERPOL

Investing in training will help professionalize the agency and reduce reliance on ad hoc enforcement measures.

  1. Modernization of Equipment and Infrastructure

The fight against illicit drugs cannot succeed without appropriate logistics. The LDEA requires:

Modern forensic laboratories for evidence testing and verification

Vehicles, communication systems, and surveillance technologies for effective monitoring

Protective gear and field kits for safe operations

Rehabilitation centers for drug users to complement enforcement with social reintegration

These investments will reduce operational weaknesses and strengthen the credibility of prosecutions.

  1. Policy and Legal Framework Review

The LDEA should champion reforms in Liberia’s drug laws to ensure:

Clearer definitions of offenses, penalties, and prosecutorial guidelines

Provisions for drug courts to expedite cases

Integration of rehabilitation and prevention programs

Stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, Judiciary, and Civil Society Organizations

Such reforms will balance punitive measures with rehabilitative justice, positioning the LDEA as both an enforcement and social intervention agency.

  1. Community Engagement and Public Awareness

The success of drug enforcement depends heavily on public cooperation. Therefore, the LDEA should:

Establish awareness campaigns targeting schools, universities, and communities

Partner with faith-based and civil society organizations

Develop hotlines and confidential reporting mechanisms for citizens

This approach will help shift public perception of the LDEA from a “force-only agency” to a “community-centered partner.”

  1. Regional and International Cooperation

Drug trafficking is a transnational challenge. Liberia, given its geographic location, remains vulnerable. The LDEA must strengthen partnerships with:

ECOWAS and MRU states for joint border operations

UNODC, DEA (USA), and EUROPOL for intelligence sharing

Neighboring drug enforcement agencies for cross-border surveillance

This will elevate the agency’s relevance and attract donor support.

  1. Institutional Integrity and Accountability

To sustain public confidence, the LDEA must commit to transparency. Recommendations include:

Establishing internal accountability units to monitor conduct

Enforcing anti-corruption measures within the agency

Publishing public reports on arrests, prosecutions, and rehabilitation

Such accountability measures will encourage donor support and strengthen public trust.

Closing Call to Action

Honorable Minister and Esteemed Leaders, Liberia’s battle against drugs is not just a law enforcement issue; it is a fight for the future of our youth, the stability of our communities, and the credibility of our state institutions. As the new leadership takes on this noble mandate, I respectfully urge the adoption of these recommendations as a roadmap for transformation.

MOSSAD AVENUE, as a private security and public policy partner, stands ready to collaborate in capacity building, research, and awareness initiatives to complement government efforts.

May your leadership mark the beginning of a new era of professionalism, integrity, and effectiveness in drug enforcement in the Republic of Liberia.

Respectfully submitted,

Apostle Tarpeh Lasanah U-sayee, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

MOSSAD AVENUE

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