Monrovia – The Maryland County Detachment Commander of the Liberian Drugs Enforcement Agency, Joseph Targeddine, has been immediately suspended for reportedly raping a 16-year-old teenager in Harper City. The event, according to the DEA, took place on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, when the survivor’s parents visited the County’s Women and Children Protection Unit of the Liberia National Police to report their daughter’s case.
According to the report, Colonel Joseph Targeddine was frequently observed socializing with the survivor. As a result of the claimed act demoralizing the DEA’s reputation, the LDEA has decided to suspend Commander Targeddine with immediate effect, according to LDEA communication director Michael Jipply.
The Communication Director assured the public that the Drug Agency remains unyielding and will not accept any actions that have the potential to damage the organization’s reputation while speaking to a team of reporters on Monday, February 27, 2023, in Monrovia. He added that the LDEA is awaiting the results of the police probe before deciding on how to proceed.
In a related development, a three-day Transparency and Accountability Intensive workshop Training for State Law Enforcement officers has been launched in collaboration between the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency and the “IVLP” Alumni Association, headquartered in the United States.
According to LDEA Director-General Marcus Zehyoue, the training was designed to help the agency’s professional standards section and personal or human resources division to serve as integrity watchdogs in law enforcement. Officers from the Armed Forces of Liberia, the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Forestry Development Authority, the Liberia Immigration Service, the Liberia National Fire Service, the Liberia Sea Port Police, and other agencies participated in the training.
The LDEA U.S. (IVLP) Alumni Association is an active movement that has been involved in awareness-raising and advocacy campaigns as a demonstration of the results of their (IVLP) training, which aimed to promote Transparency and Accountability in the public space; particularly as a major component of dealing with issues of corruption under the rule of law; Anti-Money Laundering / Asset Forfeiture and Confiscation; and the Role of Law Enforcement in Combating Illegal Wildlife.
Seven LDEA officers have benefited from the U.S. International Visitors Leadership Programs (IVLP) trainings and sponsorship as part of several initiatives organized and supported by the U.S. Department of State and its organs. The LDEA is one of many government institutions that continues to receive enormous benefits from the government and the people of the United States of America.
The Intensive workshop began on Monday, February 27, 2023, and is expected to end on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the LDEA Headquarters in Monrovia.
Reported by: Joseph N Kerkula
Email: jnkerkula@gmail.com
Contact: +231777376826
