Monrovia—In a surprising development, the Officer-In-Charge of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Christopher Peters , who was appointed on June 4, 2024, has tendered his resignation, effective October 31, 2024. In a statement issued today, the outgoing OIC expressed his deep gratitude to President Joseph N. Boakai for the opportunity to serve the nation in this capacity.
“Please convey my humblest gratitude and thanks to His Excellency President Joseph N. Boakai, as I tender my resignation as Officer-In-Charge of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency,” he stated. “My family and I are entirely honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve our beloved people and country through the LDEA.”
Reflecting on his tenure over the last four months, the Peters highlighted several accomplishments under his leadership, including the seizure of drugs valued at US$4 million and securing long imprisonment terms for convicted drug dealers and traffickers, with sentences ranging from seven to ten years. He also spoke about the institutional reforms that were initiated during this time.
“Over the last 4 months as OIC-LDEA, we were able to lead a team of committed employees to seize drugs worth US$4 million and secured long imprisonment terms for convicted drug dealers and traffickers through the courts of Liberia,” he said. “Above all, we kept the Agency calmer, united, and focused on Drugs/Narcotic Supply Reduction, while at the same time working with the National Steering Committee to achieve the goals of Drugs Demand Reduction (Prevention & Rehabilitation).”
However, the outgoing OIC also pointed to the significant challenges the agency faces, including understaffing, low budgetary support, low salaries, and salary disparities, as well as the lack of adequate training and logistics. He stressed the importance of strategic reforms and additional support to enhance the agency’s ability to combat the drug trade effectively.
“The LDEA is understaffed and confronted with repeated low budgetary support, low salaries, and huge salary disparities, including a lack of adequate training and logistics. To win the war on drugs, the LDEA will need strategic reforms, the employment of additional staff, an adequate budget, logistics, and support from key partners,” he remarked.
The OIC also emphasized the need for calm, mature, and professional leadership to steer the agency toward its future goals. “Calm, not impulsive, mature professional and team-building leadership will be required to move the Agency to its noblest height.”
As he steps down, the OIC expressed his willingness to ensure a smooth transition, stating, “I will be happy to brief whoever is nominated so they can hit the ground running.”
In his concluding remarks, he again expressed his appreciation to President Boakai and wished him success as he continues to lead the country. “Again, I am grateful to His Excellency for the opportunity. I wish him all the best as he serves our country and endeavors to end ‘Business as usual.'”
