By Jerromie S. Walters
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has directed the Ministry of Justice to immediately investigate allegations that LDEA Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald T. M. Biago received a pickup truck from an individual linked to the US$317 million narcotics trafficking, which —prompted Biago’s recusal from his duties.
The directive, issued Saturday, follows a formal recusal letter from Biago, who stepped aside after exiled Liberian, Martin Kollie
accused him of receiving and using a grey Toyota Hilux which was registered to George Wha Harris, also known as “Leroy Harris”—a businessman charged in connection with Liberia’s broader narcotics investigation.
Biago has denied the allegation. President Boakai has given Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh 48 hours to submit a comprehensive report on the matter.
“This administration remains unwavering in its fight against illegal drugs, organized crime, and corruption,” President Boakai stated. “No individual or institution is above the law.”
Over the past two months, authorities have intercepted two record-breaking cocaine shipments worth an estimated US$300 million—237.6 kilograms at Roberts International Airport in June, followed by nearly four metric tons in Duazon—marking one of the largest drug busts ever recorded in West Africa.
The scale of these seizures has transformed Liberia from a country primarily battling domestic drug abuse into one confronting sophisticated transnational narcotics syndicates. But perhaps more troubling than the quantity of narcotics recovered has been the alleged involvement of public officials entrusted with law enforcement.
In recent weeks, President Boakai has dismissed or suspended senior officials across multiple security institutions, including the Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Roberts International Airport, and the LDEA itself. Several officials have been ordered forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.
In his recusal letter to the Justice Minister, Biago categorically denied receiving a Toyota pickup from an individual allegedly associated with a drug-trafficking organization, but said temporarily stepping aside was necessary “to preserve the independence of the investigation, protect the integrity of the LDEA, and support public confidence.”
“I have neither solicited nor knowingly accepted any gift, benefit, or inducement from a drug trafficker or anyone acting on behalf of a drug-trafficking organization,” Biago wrote.
