By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA — In a major crackdown on internal corruption, the Liberia National Police has relieved a senior officer of his duties after he allegedly accepted a $10,000 bribe to compromise an ongoing high-profile drug investigation.
During a press briefing, Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman confirmed that Officer Johnny Dean (identified by the badge number 106) was dismissed with immediate effect. Dean reportedly admitted to taking the money in exchange for providing “comfort” to suspects currently in police custody regarding a major drug saga.
IG Coleman emphasized that Dean is not being implicated in the core drug trafficking activities themselves, but rather in a deliberate attempt to sabotage the active investigation.
“Anyone who does anything to compromise this investigation will answer to the law and face the full weight, regardless of whoever you are, where you’re assigned, and whatever your responsibilities and roles are in law enforcement,” the Police Chief declared, emphasizing that the integrity of both the police institution and the Liberian government rests heavily on the conduct of its officers.
Dean has been stripped of his authority, interdicted, and turned over to the Professional Standards Division. The case will subsequently be handed to criminal investigators. If found culpable, Dean will face formal prosecution in a court of law.
In a swift administrative shift to preserve the continuity of the investigation, the Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence, Interpol, and Criminal Investigation has been ordered to step in and immediately take over the vacated role.
The dismissal serves as a stark warning to the entire law enforcement apparatus as rumors persist regarding other officers potentially connected to the wider drug network. Leadership issued a stern reminder to the force:
“This is a clear warning to each and every one of you: nobody will hide in your offices here and try to do anything unethical or that will bring this government to complete disrepute. This is the people’s police, this is the people’s government.”
Col. Coleman reiterated the LNP leadership unwavering commitment to follow the evidence “wherever it leads,” promising the public that the investigation will remain thorough, relentless, and uncompromised. Anyone else found to be connected to the conspiracy will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
Addressing the members of the press, the police also extended gratitude for the media’s ongoing coverage but urged journalists to steer away from sensationalism.
Requesting reporters to abandon the traditional “if it bleeds, it leads” mindset, the Police Chief implored the media to anchor their reporting strictly on truth, solid evidence, and integrity as the sweeping investigation unfolds.
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