MONROVIA — The Liberia National Police (LNP) has clarified questions surrounding the institution’s internet connectivity and procurement of operational vehicles, rejecting claims that its facilities use Starlink internet services and distancing its vehicle purchases and internet arrangements from individuals linked to Liberia’s ongoing narcotics investigation.
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In a statement issued Friday, August 21, the police said its internet services are provided through the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LIBTELCO/LTC Mobile) under an official institutional contract.
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The clarification comes amid public inquiries and discussions concerning the resources being used by the country’s principal law enforcement institution, particularly as authorities continue a high-profile investigation into alleged narcotics trafficking.
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The LNP stated that it does not use Starlink internet service at any of its facilities. “The LNP does not use Starlink internet service at any of its facilities,” the institution said, explaining that its internet connectivity is instead provided by LIBTELCO/LTC Mobile through an official agreement.
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The police also addressed questions concerning its operational vehicles, confirming that it procured used vehicles from Guardian Fleet, a company based in the United States.
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According to the LNP, the vehicles were acquired to strengthen the police institution’s operational capacity, particularly in the areas of mobility, patrols and emergency response.
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The police said the procurement forms part of efforts to enhance its ability to respond to security needs across Liberia.
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The clarification is particularly significant because public discussions surrounding the LNP’s resources have emerged against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into an alleged narcotics trafficking network.
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The LNP, however, said its official institutional records do not substantiate claims linking either the vehicle procurement or its internet services to individuals associated with the narcotics investigation.
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“Official institutional records do not support claims connecting these services or vehicle procurements to individuals associated with the ongoing narcotics investigation,” the police said.
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The statement did not identify the specific individuals or claims prompting the clarification, but the institution appeared to be responding directly to questions circulating publicly regarding its procurement arrangements and the source of its internet connectivity.
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The police emphasized that its clarification was intended to provide the public with accurate information about the institution’s operational arrangements.
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The LNP also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, acknowledging the public’s right to seek information about the activities and resources of a national security institution.
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According to the police, members of the public are entitled to ask questions about institutional expenditures, procurement decisions and operational resources. At the same time, however, the LNP urged caution in public commentary concerning matters connected to ongoing investigations.
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The institution called for responsible public discussion, stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of active investigations as well as the rights of individuals involved. “The LNP respects the public’s right to seek information and remains committed to transparency and accountability,” the statement said.
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The police further urged responsible public commentary that protects both the integrity of ongoing investigations and the rights of all persons concerned.
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The clarification comes as the LNP and other security institutions remain under intense public scrutiny over their handling of the country’s narcotics investigation.
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The investigation has generated widespread public interest, with questions being raised about the movement of suspected narcotics, individuals allegedly connected to the case and the actions of various institutions involved in the government’s response.
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Against that backdrop, the LNP’s decision to publicly clarify its internet and vehicle arrangements signals an effort to distinguish its established institutional procurement and service arrangements from allegations or speculation surrounding the narcotics investigation.
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The police’s reference to official institutional records suggests that it considers its procurement documentation and contractual arrangements the appropriate basis for determining whether any connection exists between its resources and individuals under investigation.
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The LNP’s latest statement therefore seeks to establish a distinction between legitimate public inquiries and claims that the institution says are not supported by its official records.
