LDEA Launches Surprise Drug Testing for Officers in Grand Gedeh

By: D Abraham Cooper, Sr. |Grand Gedeh Correspondent

‎Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh |March 3,2026‎ |In a significant move to bolster the integrity of national drug enforcement, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) conducted a mandatory drug screening for all officers assigned to its Grand Gedeh detachment on Monday.

‎The exercise, held at the LDEA headquarters in Zwedru, marks the first time since 2020 that the agency has subjected its own personnel in the region to such rigorous vetting.

‎Zero Tolerance Policy

The initiative is part of a broader government mandate to clean up the ranks as the nation intensifies its fight against illegal substances. Ernest T. Tarpeh, LDEA Deputy Director of Administration, oversaw the process and sent a clear message to the force regarding the consequences of a “dirty” test.

‎”Any officer who tests positive shall be suspended indefinitely,” Tarpeh stated, emphasizing that those tasked with enforcing the law must first prove they are not breaking it.

‎Partnership and Results

‎The testing was facilitated through a partnership between BLISSFUL Transformations Inc. and the Africa Union Company. While the samples were collected on Monday, the medical teams indicated that the official results are expected to be released as early as Tuesday or by Wednesday of this week at the latest.

‎Local Command Support

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‎Special Agent Milton, the LDEA Commander for Grand Gedeh, expressed full support for the headquarters’ directive. He vowed to cooperate fully with the agency’s leadership, ensuring that every single officer under his command undergoes the screening without exception.

‎This “lead by example” approach is seen as a critical step in restoring public trust in the agency’s ability to tackle Liberia’s ongoing drug crisis.

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