The Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), in collaboration with key partners including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United States Embassy in Liberia, joined the global community over the weekend to commemorate World Drugs Day 2025 with a series of impactful activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting prevention.
By: Kruah Thompson
The day began with a colorful and energetic parade from ELWA Junction, bringing together participants from various sectors, including government, civil society, and international partners, to draw attention to the devastating consequences of drug abuse in Liberia.
Following the parade, an indoor program was held at the Paynesville City Town Hall under the global theme, 鈥淭he Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,鈥 and the local theme, 鈥淏reak the Cycle, Stop Organized Crime.鈥
The event featured a reading of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai鈥檚 official proclamation recognizing the day as a public holiday, as well as a message from the United Nations Secretary-General to mark the World Drug Day celebration.
The program included dance performances, educational sessions, and keynote speeches from a range of high-level officials, including Eugene L. Fahngon, Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS); Justice Minister Cllr. Natu Oswald Tweh, Sr., Deputy Minister for Children at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Garmai S. Torpah, Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs, Losene F. Bility, the Minister of Youth and Sports, and Pastor Matthew Kpahkio, representing the civil society community, amongst others.
The event concluded in Lower Bong County with the public destruction of a large consignment of illegal drugs seized across Liberia.
The LDEA reported the destruction of 9,651.33 kilograms of various narcotics with an estimated monetary value of USD 4,959,279.03 and LRD 949,263,015.
Of the total quantity seized nationwide, the LDEA detailed that to 3,156.22 kilograms of marijuana, 42,201.31 grams of Kush, 1,845.7 grams of heroin, 5,194.61 grams of cocaine, 142,585.1 tablets of tramadol, and 396,117.060 grams of precursor and other substances that were confiscated.
Speaking at the ceremony, LDEA Director General Anthony K. Souh thanked all national and international partners, law enforcement officers, and attendees for their continued support.
He emphasized that the celebration was a deliberate effort to highlight the achievements of the LDEA and to amplify calls for broader collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking in Liberia.
鈥淭his is a national fight, to combat narcotics and dismantle organized crime networks, we need all hands on deck,鈥 Atty. Souh stressed.
Additionally, the Justice Minister and Attorney General of Liberia, Cllr. Natu Oswald Tweh, Sr., also underscored the need for proactive intervention and strong national commitment.
He called on all Liberians to take personal responsibility in the war against drugs.
鈥淲e must invest in prevention to give our youth a fighting chance. If they are empowered to make positive choices, they will help shape laws that foster a safe and productive society,鈥 he said. Minister Tweh also commended the LDEA and international partners for their relentless efforts.
For her part, Deputy Minister for Children, Madam Garmai S. Torpah, who represented the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, noted the devastating impact of drugs on children across Liberia.
She revealed that the Ministry has launched training and seminars aimed at addressing the vulnerability of youth.
鈥淓arly investment in family support, youth empowerment, education, and community services saves lives and reduces long-term costs,鈥 Madam Torpah said.
She warned that Liberia must not become a safe haven for drug traffickers and organized crime, stressing the need for both national and international cooperation to break the cycle of addiction and trafficking.
Also speaking, Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Losene F. Bility, reaffirmed the Ministry鈥檚 support to the LDEA.
He explained that while formal security personnel may not be present in some remote areas, traditional leaders, including chiefs, are ready to enforce anti-drug policies and support the national mandate.
鈥淚n areas where state security cannot reach, the local chiefs will serve as the frontline enforcers of this national effort,鈥 he assured.
Meanwhile, representatives from the civil society organization and other participants on the occasion showcased the country鈥檚 ongoing commitment to fighting drug abuse and trafficking while calling for unified, multispectral efforts to secure a drug-free future for the nation. 鈥揈dited by Othello B. Garblah.