Monrovia – The Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, has strongly rejected allegations linking him to individuals accused in Liberia’s multimillion-dollar cocaine trafficking investigation, insisting that he has never accepted gifts, favors or benefits in exchange for compromising his official duties.
By Edwin G. Genoway Jr.
Biago’s denial follows allegations by political activist Martin K. N. Kollie, who claimed in a lengthy social media post that the LDEA chief received a Toyota Hilux pickup truck from George Harris, also known as Leroy Harris, a man reportedly charged by Liberian authorities in connection with the country’s US$317 million cocaine seizure.
Biago dismissed the allegations as false and misleading, saying they are not supported by credible evidence.
“I categorically reject these allegations as false, misleading, and without credible evidence,” Biago stated in a Facebook post.
The LDEA chief said his career has been dedicated to serving Liberia, upholding the law and carrying out his responsibilities with professionalism and integrity.
“I have never accepted any gift, favor, or benefit from any individual or criminal organization in exchange for compromising my duties,” he asserted.
Kollie Questions Toyota Hilux
At the center of Kollie’s allegations is a grey Toyota Hilux pickup truck that he claims is being used by Biago.
Kollie alleged that vehicle registration information he obtained lists George Wha Harris as the registered owner of the pickup, bearing license plate A532084.
According to Kollie, the vehicle was entered into the registration system in November 2024 and registered under Harris’ name. He used the alleged registration information to question how the vehicle came into Biago’s possession and whether it was provided to the LDEA chief by Harris.
However, registration of a vehicle in an individual’s name does not, by itself, establish that the vehicle was subsequently given to another person as a gift or benefit. That claim would require independent verification.
Kollie also alleged that another vehicle was purchased for Biago’s wife by individuals linked to the alleged narcotics network, but the claim was not independently substantiated in the material he published.
Claims of Security Links
Beyond the vehicle allegation, Kollie claimed that Harris maintained relationships with senior security officials, including Biago.
He further alleged that individuals involved in narcotics trafficking had developed relationships within Liberia’s security institutions, particularly the LDEA and the Liberia National Police.
Kollie called for Biago’s resignation or dismissal and urged that the allegations be subjected to a formal investigation.
He also indicated that he intends to release additional information concerning what he described as an alleged drug trafficking network and its suspected collaborators.
Biago Welcomes Investigation
Despite rejecting the allegations, Biago said he is prepared to cooperate with any legitimate investigation by the appropriate authorities.
He stressed, however, that any investigation must be independent, impartial and grounded in evidence rather than social media claims and speculation.
“I remain fully prepared to cooperate with any lawful, independent, and impartial investigation, as I am confident that the truth will prevail through due process rather than speculation or misinformation,” Biago wrote.
His response comes amid heightened public scrutiny of Liberia’s national drug enforcement efforts following major cocaine seizures and ongoing investigations into alleged narcotics trafficking networks.
‘My Focus Remains on the Drug Fight’
Biago said the allegations would not distract him from his responsibilities as head of the LDEA.
He reaffirmed his commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking, dismantling criminal networks and apprehending individuals involved in narcotics-related activities.
“My focus remains steadfast on leading the fight against illicit drugs and dismantling these networks,” he said.
The LDEA has similarly rejected claims that Biago received a vehicle from an alleged drug trafficker, describing the allegation as unsupported by any credible record, documentation or verifiable evidence.
The Agency has encouraged anyone with credible evidence of misconduct to submit it to the appropriate investigative authorities for independent and lawful review.
Allegations Require Verification
The allegations against Biago remain unproven and should not be treated as established facts unless substantiated through an official investigation or judicial proceedings.
The claims presented by Kollie, including the alleged vehicle transfer, do not by themselves establish that Biago participated in drug trafficking, accepted a bribe or committed any criminal offense.
Biago has denied the allegations and has expressly indicated his willingness to face a lawful and independent investigation.
The broader narcotics investigation also remains subject to due process, with individuals accused or charged in connection with the cocaine case entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
For Biago, however, the message is clear: he says the allegations will not deter him from leading Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs.
“My focus remains steadfast on leading the fight against illicit drugs and dismantling these networks,” he said.
