MONROVIA, Liberia – August 10, 2026 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has appointed retired Major General Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr. as Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), in a major shake-up of the country’s anti-drug leadership as the government intensifies its fight against narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
Ziankahn’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. He has, however, been directed to assume duty immediately in an acting capacity pending the Senate’s return later this year.
The President also named Precious Rue as Deputy Director General for Operations and Prince Mulbah as Deputy Director General for Administration of the LDEA. Both appointments are also subject to Senate confirmation.
According to the Executive Mansion, the new leadership team will work closely with the Joint Security, Ministry of Justice, and international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks, strengthen border security, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance enforcement operations.
Ziankahn Brings Military and Security Experience
Major General Ziankahn is a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia and later served as Minister of National Defense.
More recently, he served as Military Advisor to President Boakai, providing strategic advice on national security matters.
The Executive Mansion said his appointment reflects the President’s confidence in his leadership, integrity, and operational experience, and signals a decision to elevate the government’s anti-drug campaign.
In his new role, Ziankahn will report directly to President Boakai in close consultation with the Minister of Justice.
Former Deputy LDEA Director General Ernest Tarpeh will return to his previous assignment at the National Security Agency.
Biago Suspended Indefinitely
The appointments follow the submission of an investigative report by the Ministry of Justice concerning former LDEA Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald Biago.
President Boakai has indefinitely suspended Biago from the Liberia National Police over what the Executive Mansion described as “ethical transgressions” and ordered a more detailed investigation.
Importantly, the Ministry of Justice report did not establish Biago’s involvement in illegal narcotics trafficking, according to the release.
However, the report identified ethical concerns that the President said warrant further examination to determine whether additional administrative or other actions should be taken.
Biago had earlier recused himself from leadership of the LDEA after allegations surfaced concerning a pickup truck allegedly linked to a narcotics suspect or trafficker.
“No Safe Haven for Drug Traffickers”
The Executive Mansion said the decisions followed a lengthy National Security Council meeting Monday evening.
President Boakai reiterated that allegations of misconduct must be handled fairly and according to due process, stressing that no individual should be condemned without evidence while no public official should be protected from accountability.
“Our fight against drugs is a fight for the future of Liberia,” the President said.
“We will continue to strengthen our institutions, hold public officials to the highest ethical standards, and pursue those who seek to poison our communities. There will be no safe haven for drug traffickers or those who aid and abet them.”
The latest appointments form part of the administration’s broader response to what President Boakai has repeatedly described as a major national security and public health threat.
In recent weeks, the government has ordered a series of dismissals, suspensions, investigations, and prosecutions involving public officials and security personnel amid expanding narcotics investigations across the country.
