Monrovia – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has suspended its Chief of Operations, Abraham O. Payne (U-704), after an audio recording surfaced allegedly implicating him in ordering the release of his daughter who was reportedly arrested in a ghetto.
In the leaked recording, Mr. Payne is allegedly heard instructing a junior officer to free his daughter and threatening the officer after he refused to comply.
LDEA Director General Anthony K. Souh confirmed the suspension on Tuesday, saying Mr. Payne has been referred to the Board of Internal Inquiry and Professional Standards (BIIPS) for investigation.
“The LDEA frowns upon such alleged actions which, if proven, undermine the integrity of the Agency and compromise the fight against illicit drugs,” the agency said in a statement.
The Agency has also advised the public and all stakeholders to refrain from conducting any official business with Mr. Payne until the probe is concluded.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, the LDEA assured that no officer, regardless of position or rank, is above the law.
