By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Fitzgerald Biago, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, appeared before the 55th House of Representatives to provide a detailed account of the Agency’s anti-drug operations following the interception of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
His appearance comes in response to a mandate from the House, triggered by growing legislative concern over Liberia’s vulnerability to international drug trafficking and questions surrounding the effectiveness of national border security systems.
The session was prompted by a communication from Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative, Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah, who called for stronger parliamentary oversight of the country’s anti-drug enforcement framework in the wake of the high-profile cocaine seizure.
While acknowledging the LDEA’s role in the interception as a notable operational success, Representative Briggs-Mensah warned that the incident also exposes serious gaps in Liberia’s airport security, cargo screening systems, and overall border control mechanisms.
She stressed that Liberia’s increasing exposure as a potential transit route for international narcotics trafficking demands urgent institutional reforms and closer scrutiny of agencies responsible for national security.
The lawmaker further noted that over the years, the LDEA has received substantial government and donor support, including training programs, logistical assistance, equipment donations, and budgetary allocations aimed at strengthening its operational capacity. She argued that such investments must translate into measurable results in the fight against drug trafficking.
As part of the House’s constitutional oversight role, Representative Briggs-Mensah requested the LDEA to present a comprehensive report detailing the impact of these interventions, the operational challenges facing the Agency, and the preventive measures being implemented to curb Liberia’s use as a drug trafficking corridor.
She also raised concerns about transparency in the handling of major drug cases, pointing out that while drug seizures are often widely publicized, there is frequently limited public disclosure regarding follow-up actions such as arrests, prosecutions, and convictions.
In line with the legislative directive, Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald Biago is expected to provide lawmakers with detailed updates on several key areas, including the recent RIA cocaine seizure, progress in ongoing investigations, outcomes of major drug-related cases, and strategies being adopted to strengthen border security and cargo inspection systems nationwide.
Members of the House underscored that the fight against illicit drugs remains a national priority, warning that the growing drug trade poses a direct threat to Liberia’s youth, national security, and long-term development prospects.
They emphasized that sustained accountability, institutional transparency, and effective enforcement are essential if Liberia is to prevent becoming a permanent transit hub for international drug syndicates.
The LDEA’s appearance before Plenary is expected to provide both lawmakers and the public with deeper insight into the Agency’s operational capacity, ongoing challenges, and the broader national response to escalating drug trafficking concerns.
