Monrovia, Liberia – The chief of intelligence of Unit 106, Johnny Dean, has been sacked by Inspector General Gregory Coleman due to accusations that he accepted a US$10,000 bribe to give two suspected drug traffickers detained at the police headquarters in Monrovia preferential treatment. The dramatic development highlights the Liberia National Police’s ongoing campaign against corruption within its ranks.
Police Inspector General Coleman announced the decision on Thursday, July 23, stating that Dean was immediately relieved of his responsibilities and replaced by the Deputy Police Commissioner for Interpol Intelligence and Investigation. He revealed that Dean has also been turned over to the Police Professional Standards Division to be investigated.
Coleman claims that the two suspects were being held by the police as part of an ongoing drug investigation when the alleged bribery took place. He emphasized that no officer would be allowed to use their position to impede criminal investigations or jeopardize the integrity of law enforcement by the police administration.
Coleman said, “This is a clear warning to all senior officers who think they can use their positions to jeopardize investigations.”
The whole force of the law will be applied to anyone who engages in unethical behavior or tries to discredit this government. Regardless of who may be involved, the inspector general reiterated the police’s dedication to following every lead in the inquiry. He stated that the Liberia National Police is ready to pursue any piece of evidence wherever it takes them. Serving inquiry. ‘s government, this is the people’s police. We want to reassure Liberians that we would go above and above in every inquiry to make sure that anyone who violates the law is prosecuted.
Following a number of high-profile drug trafficking instances, notably the recent recovery of a sizable cocaine shipment in Duazon, Margibi County, public scrutiny of Liberia’s security institutions has increased. Authorities have consistently promised that no one will be exempt from accountability, regardless of position or power. According to Inspector Coleman, Dean has acknowledged accepting a $10,000 bribe, and the Police Professional Standards Division is anticipated to start looking into Dean’s alleged behavior.
