By Jamesetta D Williams
STAND Chairman and former ruling party official, has called for the temporary suspension of Liberia National Police Director pending an independent investigation into the ongoing US$19 million cocaine seizure case, arguing that such a measure is necessary to preserve public confidence in the integrity of the probe.
In a lengthy article titled “The Hunt for the Big Fish – Part I,” Morlu questioned the independence of the ongoing investigation and alleged that institutions tasked with uncovering the truth may themselves be vulnerable to scrutiny.
The comments come amid growing public debate surrounding the seizure of approximately 2,151 kilograms of cocaine valued at an estimated US$19 million, one of the largest drug interceptions in Liberia’s history.
According to Morlu, the scale and complexity of the alleged trafficking operation suggest that it could not have occurred without support from individuals within key security and state institutions. He argued that agencies responsible for border security, customs enforcement, immigration control, policing, and financial monitoring should not be excluded from scrutiny.
“The very institutions tasked with uncovering the truth are themselves suspects,” Morlu wrote, adding that investigations involving such institutions must be conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence and avoids perceived conflicts of interest.
A central focus of his article was Police Director Gregory Coleman, whose role Morlu believes warrants further examination. While stressing that raising questions about Coleman does not amount to an accusation of guilt, Morlu argued that public confidence in the investigation requires both actual impartiality and the appearance of impartiality.
He specifically pointed to concerns regarding the professional relationship between Coleman and Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Officer-in-Charge . Morlu referenced public discussions and allegations suggesting that Coleman may have influenced Biago’s appointment to the LDEA leadership position.
Although acknowledging that such allegations remain unproven, Morlu argued that the perceived overlap in institutional relationships raises legitimate concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
“For that reason, Director Coleman should be suspended pending the outcome of an independent investigation,” Morlu stated.
He emphasized that a temporary suspension should not be interpreted as punishment or an admission of wrongdoing but rather as a standard administrative safeguard designed to protect the integrity of investigations and shield all parties from allegations of interference.
Morlu also called on the Government of Liberia to seek international assistance in the investigation, including support from United States law enforcement agencies and other international partners experienced in combating transnational organized crime.
According to him, international involvement would strengthen public confidence in the findings and ensure that all credible leads are thoroughly examined.
The STAND Chairman further argued that the case extends beyond the seizure itself and represents a critical test of Liberia’s institutions and commitment to accountability. He maintained that Liberians are demanding a transparent process, equal application of the law, and assurances that no individual is beyond scrutiny because of rank, position, or political influence.
Morlu’s comments also challenged recent assurances from President that there is “no hiding place” for drug traffickers. While welcoming the President’s declaration, he argued that the true measure of that commitment will be determined by the actions taken during the investigation.
“If there are indeed no sacred cows, then every credible lead must be pursued, every allegation properly examined, and every official—regardless of rank—subjected to the same standard of scrutiny,” Morlu wrote.
He concluded by announcing that future installments of his series would identify additional individuals whose alleged roles in the scandal, he believes, deserve further public scrutiny.
As of publication, government authorities and the Liberia National Police had not publicly responded to Morlu’s latest call for the suspension of Director Coleman.
Meanwhile, investigations into the US$19 million cocaine seizure continue, with government officials maintaining that the process is being conducted in collaboration with international partners and that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
About The Author
