Senator Kogar Seeks Senate Intervention, Raises Transparency Concerns Over US$19 Million Drug Probe
By: Melvin Flomo
MONROVIA – Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar has called on the Liberian Senate to intensify its oversight of the reported US$19 million drug investigation by demanding critical documents and evidence that he believes are essential to ensuring transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the probe.
In a communication addressed to Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Kogar raised concerns about the manner in which the investigation is being conducted, arguing that several key questions surrounding the high-profile case remain unanswered.
The Nimba lawmaker noted that investigations involving illicit drugs are, by law, the responsibility of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). However, he said that if the matter had evolved into a national security issue, it should first have been deliberated by the National Security Council before being transferred to another institution.
According to Senator Kogar, the National Security Council should have convened and established a special investigative committee before responsibility for the case shifted from the LDEA to the Liberia National Police (LNP).
He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the transfer of the investigation from the country’s lead anti-drug agency to the police, while seeking clarification on whether any international security agency is assisting Liberian authorities with the ongoing probe.
Senator Kogar further urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the National Security Council, to inform the Senate whether he authorized or presided over a council decision appointing the Inspector General of Police to lead the investigation.
Drawing a comparison with the investigation into the Capitol Building fire, the senator observed that the Liberia National Police, National Fire Service, and National Security Agency coordinated their efforts and made arrests within a relatively short period. He questioned why similar progress has not been made in the drug investigation.
He specifically called for investigators to produce telephone call records of individuals considered persons of interest, arguing that such evidence could provide valuable leads and strengthen the investigation.
To enhance legislative oversight, Senator Kogar requested that the Senate Committee on Defense, Intelligence, Security and Veteran Affairs formally obtain several key documents from the relevant authorities.
Among the documents he requested are telephone call logs involving persons of interest, the official communication from the National Security Council authorizing the Inspector General of Police to head the investigation, and records relating to the reported release of Mr. Oscar Browne, identified as the Security Director for Intelligence at Roberts International Airport.
The senator also urged the Senate to request the legal release order issued by either the Ministry of Justice or the Judiciary authorizing Browne’s release from detention. In addition, he called for Browne’s legal counsel to appear before Plenary with documentary evidence explaining the circumstances surrounding his client’s release.
Concluding his communication, Senator Kogar emphasized that the Senate has a constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight over matters of national importance. He urged his colleagues to ensure that the investigation is conducted with full transparency and accountability to strengthen public trust in Liberia’s justice and security institutions.
