The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has taken note of recent media reports alleging that the Director of the Agency and the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) assaulted a special aide to the OIC during an official assignment. According to a press release dated January 6, 2025, the LDEA categorically and unequivocally denies these allegations, describing them as false, misleading, and completely unfounded.
The release said that at no time did the Director or the OIC of the LDEA inflict harm, issue threats, or engage in any form of assault or intimidation against any officer. The Agency states that the alleged incident did not occur as reported, and strongly believes that the officer in question is being tele-guided with the sole intent of undermining the significant gains the LDEA continues to make in the fight against illicit drugs in Liberia.
Furthermore, these claims appear to be part of a deliberate effort to tarnish the reputation of the Agency’s leadership and discredit its work.
The Public Affairs Section of the LDEA specifically refutes the allegations made by Special Agent Myron Swen, who claimed that the OIC assaulted and threatened him during a recent official trip to Nimba County. “These accusations are serious, unsubstantiated, and misleading. The OIC has never engaged in any form of physical abuse, intimidation, or unethical conduct toward any officer under his command,” the release said.
Meanwhile, in keeping with the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, the OIC has instructed the Board of Internal Inquiry to conduct a full, impartial investigation into the matter. The Agency noted that if Special Agent Swen believes he has a legitimate case, let him seek redress through a court of competent jurisdiction to allow the truth to be fully established.
The leadership of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency wishes to make it clear that no officer is above the law; at the same time, no officer will be subjected to abuse, inhumane treatment, or unethical practices. The current LDEA administration firmly prohibits misconduct in all forms and is committed to professionalism, discipline, and institutional integrity. LDEA urges the public and media institutions to exercise restraint, verify information before dissemination, and refrain from speculation as due process takes its course.
