By By: The People News
Monrovia — Pressure is growing on the Government of Liberia to suspend Police Director Gregory Coleman pending an independent investigation into the country’s $19 million cocaine seizure, with civil society activists arguing that overlapping institutional relationships could undermine public confidence in the probe.
The demand was outlined June 18, 2026 in an opinion piece by Mulbah K. Morlu, Chairman of the Council of Patriots/STAND, titled “The Hunt for the ‘Big Fish’ Part-I.” Morlu did not present evidence of wrongdoing but said questions about institutional relationships warrant administrative action to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Liberian authorities in this June 2026 announced the seizure of approximately 2,151 kilograms of cocaine valued at about US$19 million, or LD$3.7 billion, at Roberts International Airport. President Joseph Boakai called it one of the largest seizures in the country’s history and ordered a “two-front” investigation involving the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Customs, Immigration, and the Financial Intelligence Agency. He declared there would be “no hiding place” for drug traffickers and that “no person will be untouchable.”
LDEA Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald T. M. Biago initially said names would not be released because disclosure could jeopardize the transnational investigation. President Boakai later referred the matter to a broader national security process.
Morlu’s article centers on Police Director Coleman and the role of Biago, who holds the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police while serving as LDEA Officer-in-Charge. The article cites public discussions and reports alleging that Director Coleman influenced Biago’s appointment to the LDEA post. Morlu stated that allegations are not evidence and that suspicion is not proof, but argued the appearance of a conflict of interest could affect public trust.
“Whether those allegations are ultimately proven or disproven, they create an appearance-of-conflict issues that cannot simply be ignored,” Morlu wrote. He said overlapping chains of command in investigations involving senior security officials can undermine confidence even where investigators act in good faith.
Based on that concern, Morlu called for Director Coleman to be suspended pending the outcome of an independent investigation. He described suspension as a standard administrative safeguard used globally to protect investigations and individuals from allegations of interference, not as punishment or admission of guilt.
Broader questions raised
The article argues that a shipment of 2,151kg would require logistics, financial movement, and institutional facilitation, and therefore raises questions about possible involvement across multiple agencies including Customs, Seaport Police, Immigration, LNP, and paramilitary units. Morlu wrote that institutions “must not investigate themselves” and asked, “Who is investigating whom?”
To address credibility concerns, Morlu recommended that the Government of Liberia request independent international assistance, including support from United States law-enforcement agencies and other partners experienced in transnational organized crime investigations.
Government position
President Boakai has publicly pledged full accountability, stating that the investigation will expand and that no institution will be shielded. LDEA officials have maintained that limiting public disclosure is necessary to protect the transnational aspects of the case.
The LNP has not issued a public response to the specific call for suspension. Director Coleman has not been charged or named as a suspect by law enforcement authorities.
Morlu said a follow-up article will identify another individual whose alleged role “merits serious scrutiny.” He stated the purpose is to ensure no lead is ignored and no official is shielded based on rank or political connection.
The case remains under investigation by Liberian authorities with support from national security agencies.
