President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia has declared war on the escalating drug crisis gripping the nation. Responding to a surge in drug abuse and trafficking, and spurred by a public outcry manifested in a street protest by concerned citizens, predominantly women, President Boakai unveiled a comprehensive National Anti-Drug Action Plan. This robust strategy aims to tackle the drug menace head-on, targeting all aspects of the problem from trafficking and distribution to prevention and rehabilitation. The President labeled the proliferation of illicit substances as an “attack on our future”, underscoring the gravity of the situation and its potential to derail the country’s development and jeopardize the well-being of its youth.
The President’s decisive action plan encompasses a multi-pronged approach designed to dismantle drug networks and mitigate the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals and communities. Key components include stringent legal and enforcement measures, such as the seizure of properties linked to drug activities, including those owned by landlords complicit in the trade. Regional LDEA commanders have been issued performance mandates with a six-month deadline to demonstrate tangible results, emphasizing accountability and the urgency of the situation. A National Whistleblower Program, offering cash rewards and protection to informants, aims to encourage citizen participation and strengthen intelligence gathering efforts.
Recognizing the need for swift and decisive justice, the plan also seeks to expedite drug cases through the courts, implementing mandatory sentencing guidelines to deter trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable. Furthermore, the government will expand rehabilitation centers and reintegration programs to offer support and recovery opportunities for those struggling with addiction. This holistic approach acknowledges that addressing the demand side of the drug problem is crucial for long-term success.
To curb the flow of illicit substances into the country, the plan prioritizes investment in border surveillance, including enhanced technology like scanners and canine units. This commitment to bolstering security infrastructure underscores the government’s determination to stem the tide of drugs entering Liberia. Recognizing the importance of prevention education, an anti-drug curriculum will be introduced in schools, coupled with random drug testing in high-risk areas. This proactive measure aims to equip young people with the knowledge and awareness needed to resist the lure of drugs and make informed choices.
Further strengthening the government’s response, the National Drug Emergency will be reinforced, enabling raids and lockdowns in areas identified as drug hotspots. Financial institutions will collaborate with authorities to freeze the assets of suspected traffickers, disrupting their operations and dismantling their financial networks. To ensure the effective implementation of these measures, the government will significantly increase the budget allocated to drug enforcement, education, and legal reforms.
President Boakai emphasized the unwavering nature of this campaign, stating that it will be “non-selective and relentless.” He assured the nation that no individual, regardless of their status, title, connections, or uniform, will be shielded from the consequences of their involvement in drug-related activities. Acknowledging the country’s fiscal constraints, the President directed financial authorities to prioritize funding for key areas, including the implementation of the anti-drug curriculum in schools, strengthening the operational capacity of the LDEA, and reinforcing the legal and judicial sectors. While affirming Liberia’s commitment to fund its own fight against drugs, the President also called on international partners and donors to support the nation’s renewed efforts.
This comprehensive action plan reflects a resolute commitment to combatting the drug crisis at all levels, from interdiction and enforcement to prevention and rehabilitation. By addressing both the supply and demand sides of the problem, the government aims to create a healthier and more secure future for all Liberians. The President’s call for nationwide participation underscores the importance of collective action in overcoming this daunting challenge. He appealed to parents, educators, community leaders, and all citizens to join the fight, emphasizing that only a unified effort can achieve lasting success. With a firm resolve, President Boakai vowed that Liberia will not lose another generation to drugs, declaring, “Not on my watch.”
