Police IG Says Drug Probe Nears Charging Stage, Cites “Significant Progress”
By Myean D Torgbean
MONROVIA – Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman has disclosed that investigators have made significant progress in the ongoing investigation into the reported seizure of narcotics valued at approximately US$19 million, revealing that several individuals and institutions are now under suspicion and could face criminal charges within days.
Appearing before the Liberian Senate during a hearing on the high-profile case, Coleman said the investigation has advanced beyond the preliminary stage, with authorities moving some individuals from being “persons of interest” to potential suspects.
“At this point in time, the only thing I can say is that we’ve made significant progress. We are at the stage where we have moved people from being persons of interest to potential suspects who could be charged within a few days,” Coleman told senators.
The Police Inspector General, however, declined to provide further details, emphasizing that revealing sensitive information could jeopardize the investigation.
“There are things that we’re still working on that are not yet declassified, and discussing them now would compromise everything,” he said, urging senators to direct specific questions that investigators could answer without affecting the case.
Coleman described the investigation as highly complex, noting that it involves the review of documentary records, forensic evidence, and intelligence gathered from multiple sources.
He acknowledged that Liberia’s security institutions are relying on international partners for specialized forensic and technical support while investigators continue to work around the clock.
He assured lawmakers that the Joint Security has no intention of concealing information from the public, stressing that the outcome of the investigation will be guided solely by the evidence.
“We can assure you that there’s nothing we’re hiding. The chips will fall where they may because this investigation concerns the future of this country,” he said.
Coleman further disclosed that both individuals and institutions are currently under investigation and remain under suspicion, with formal charges expected to be filed in the coming days if the evidence continues to support prosecution.
The reported US$19 million drug seizure has become one of Liberia’s most closely watched criminal investigations, drawing widespread public attention and increasing calls for transparency and accountability from lawmakers and civil society.
