President Joseph N. Boakai, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, announced the dismissal of the three top officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
The trinity were dismissed for “administrative reasons,” and with immediate effect.
They affected officials are the Director General, Anthony K. Souh, his deputy for Administration, Gwee K. Porkpah, and the deputy for operations, Sebastian Farr.
Prior to his dismissal, Mr. Porkpah, has accused several unnamed officials for being in illicit drug trade.
The President has meanwhile, appointed an interim management team to steer the affairs of the LDEA pending further actions, and the appointment of a new management team.
The interim team comprises:
Liberian National Police (LNP) officer Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, to serve as
Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Ernest T. Tarpeh, Assistant Director for Special Services, National Security Agency (NSA), to serve as Deputy for Administration/Investigation
And Patrick B. Kormazu of the LNP, 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.
Pres. 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 said, this decisive action is intended to strengthen country’s collective resolve in eradicating the scourge of illicit drugs and substances in the country.
“This action,” the President said, “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 country’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 90 days.