To justify the phrase: ‘Old Soldier never dies,’ a retired officer of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), has called for the dissolution of the entire workforce at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). Augustine J. Nagbe, also known as General Power, instead, wants former soldiers to fill the post at the Agency. Nagbe therefore, wants government to recruit 5,000 veterans of the AFL to combat the country growing drugs menace. His remarks come on the heels of the recent dismissal of LDEA’s leadership, a move he warmly applauded. Nagbe expressed his gratitude to the president for a taking ‘decisive action’ against the former heads of the LDEA, stating: “bravo to the president for firing the three officials.” He added: “The dismissal of the trio is a step in the right direction, but let the old soldiers’ takeover the Agency as test of their resolve.
Nagbe underscored the need for a complete overhaul or the dissolution of the Agency, suggesting that a fresh approach is necessary to effectively tackle the rampant drug trade. As he raised serious concerns about corruption and connivance at the Agency with drug pushers, Nagbe meanwhile, accused some of LDEA officers for “accepting bribes from drug traffickers.” “It is clear that the current structure has failed,” noting: “LDEA officers are accepting money from drug traffickers to feed their homes. This act undermines our efforts to combat drugs proliferation affecting the youthful population.” To further strengthen the fight against drug-related crimes, Nagbe proposed the implementation of rapid drug testing at every ministry and agencies to include the employees and appointed officials. He believes that timely and efficient testing could play a crucial role in identifying and apprehending those involved in the drug trade. “I can only collaborate with the LDEA if a death penalty is established for drug traffickers. We need to send a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in our society,” he declared. “A death penalty may serve as a deterrent for those who think they can undermine our future.” As the nation grapples with the escalating drug problem, the call for a radical restructuring or dissolution of the DEA, along with the controversial death penalty proposal reflects the urgency and complexity of the drug crisis facing the country. Nagbe highlighted the need for both immediate action and long-term solutions.