River Gee County – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has started drug testing for its officers in River Gee County. The program, according to Col. Ernest Tarpeh, Deputy Director for Administration, tackles a number of accusations made against the LDEA that imply certain personnel may be abusing the very drugs they are supposed to be fighting.
The LDEA has chosen to carry out this testing program in response to these worries, working with the Liberian government. Col. Tarpeh stated that if an officer tests positive, they may face expulsion or suspension from the agency.
Col. Ernest Tarpeh, Deputy Director for Administration LDEA
In response to a question about the duration of the testing procedure, he said that it may take up to three days, based on the number of officers present.
The Deputy Director noted that LDEA officers would be tested for substances including cannabis (Kush and Marijuana), cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, ecstasy, and fentanyl.
Upon completion of the tests, the LDEA will provide clearance documentation to its officers, indicating whether they have tested positive or negative, they said .
Col. Tarpeh emphasized that the only requirement for the test is a urine sample, with results available in less than five minutes. He also mentioned that the testing process will become a routine exercise, with officers being tested regularly. To participate he said, officers are required to submit an ID card bearing their names for data collection.
Reported by: Nathaniel G. Natty II, Report 231, Correspondent River Gee County
