Diaspora Alert interviewed survivors of the ‘Sparkling Android’ drug, also known as ‘Spark and Die’, in Monrovia’s urban slums. The individuals, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed fears that the
toxic substance is state-sponsored aimed at wiping them out. They feel that the government, unable to fulfill its promises of detoxification and rehabilitation, sees their very existence as a threat to peace and order, leading them to believe that their elimination is viewed as a necessary step for the state’s interests.
Liberia is facing a dire drug crisis that has been labeled a national emergency and a serious public health threat. In urban slums, hundreds of young people are tragically losing their lives every minute after consuming a dangerous substance known as Sparkling Android, or simply Tension or Spark and Die. Deputy Director General for Administration at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Gwee Forkpa, has called the current situation “bad.” He points to a troubling rise in illicit drugs, which he blames on poor leadership and the significant involvement of government officials acting as drug barons across all three branches of government, especially the Executive. Forkpa emphasized that the presence of senior officials in drug trafficking has turned the battle against narcotics into a daunting challenge. He noted that Liberia’s drug issue is deeply rooted, with connections stretching from everyday homes to the highest echelons of power. “From the Executive to the Legislature to the Judiciary, you’ll find someone involved with drugs,” he stated. “The reason is straightforward — the drug trade is profitable, so everyone is eager to make money. If you’re fighting drugs, you’re essentially up against people in nearly every corner.”
The Chairman of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, Cllr. T. Dempster Brown, also made some serious allegations against high-ranking government officials, claiming they are involved in the drug trade. Cllr. Brown pointed out that both government and drug agency officials are reportedly accepting bribes from drug traffickers. “A lot of these influential people are in the drug business,” Brown stated. “The involvement of powerful figures in this issue is no secret. Yet, they can still approach the president and share a laugh. It’s impossible to have successful drug prosecutions when government officials are entangled in the drug trade. I want the president to hear this loud and clear. He needs to take notice. He should be wary of those around him who might not have his best interests at heart and consider distancing himself from them.”
On August 7, 2025, Liberians held a peaceful protests, calling for urgent government action to tackle the rising crisis of drug abuse and trafficking. Protesters held up signs with powerful messages like “Say No To Drugs,” “Save Our Youth,” “Drugs Are Destroying Our Future,” and “We Need Action, Not Promises.” They urged the Unity Party-led government to take immediate and concrete steps to combat the spread of narcotics in the country. During the protest, citizens presented a petition outlining key demands, which include stricter enforcement of existing anti-drug laws, increased funding for rehabilitation and treatment centers, community-based prevention programs aimed at youth, and a nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating within Liberia.
The protesters voiced their serious worries about the increasing number of young people falling victim to substance abuse, which they believe threatens the nation’s future. They also pointed fingers at President Joseph Boakai, suggesting that his lack of decisive action is linked to one of his sons being involved in drug trafficking. This connection, they argue, has left the first family unable to effectively combat the drug problem in the country.
Titus Pakalah, an activist and one of the voices behind the anti-drug protests, took to his Facebook page just two weeks after the “Say No to Drugs” campaign to express his concerns that the protest had been compromised by the Liberian government. His remarks come at a time when some of the protest organizers are publicly stepping down and pointing fingers at one another for misusing funds that were supposed to support the fight against drugs.
Titus shared, “This was the day I attended the first meeting of the ‘Say No to Drugs’ campaign. The updates I received hinted at a looming financial and internal crisis. I learned that certain government officials had initially contributed US$1,000 to the campaigners, and the LNP had donated about fifty dozen T-shirts. On top of that, prominent figures in the government provided checks and other resources. While that doesn’t sound too bad, when a public march or protest is funded by a government that should be broadening its policy approach and strengthening response strategies, it raises concerns about its integrity.”
Pakalah noted that many well-known women leaders, recognized for their community advocacy, were absent from the meeting. “I raised this issue and urged them to involve national women leaders who could help us navigate this crisis. But here we are, even amidst the current surge of the ‘android drug.’ The conflicts among the top executives of the Say No to Drugs campaign were set in motion long before the protest,” the activist stated.