MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai has issued a Special Presidential Statement announcing an aggressive, multi-prong National Anti-Drug Action Plan in response to the alarming surge of drug abuse and trafficking across the country.

It follows receipt of the Progress Report of the Multi-sectoral Steering Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse.

President Boakai has also announced the seizure of properties linked to drug activities, including the prosecution of landlords and accomplices.

The Liberian Leader further mandated the Performance Mandate for Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) regional commanders with a six-month results deadline, National Whistleblowers Program with cash rewards and protection for informants, and fast-tracking of drug cases through the courts with mandatory sentencing.

Other actions include the expansion of rehabilitation centers and reintegration programs for recovering users, investment in border surveillance, scanners, canine units, and security equipment, introduction of anti-drug curriculum in schools, and random testing in high-risk areas.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Joseph Boakai also highlighted the reinforcement of the National Drug Emergency, enabling raids and lockdowns where necessary, freezing of assets belonging to suspected traffickers in collaboration with financial institutions, and the significant budget increases toward drug enforcement, education, and legal reforms.