Monrovia-In a dramatic development that underscores the Liberia National Police’s ongoing crackdown on corruption within its ranks, Inspector General Gregory Coleman has dismissed the Chief of Intelligence of Unit 106, Johnny Dean, over allegations that he accepted a US$10,000 bribe to provide favorable treatment to two suspected drug traffickers being held at the Police Headquarters in Monrovia.
By Willie N. Tokpah
Announcing the decision on Thursday, Police Inspector General Coleman said Dean was immediately relieved of his duties and has been replaced by the Deputy Police Commissioner for Interpol Intelligence and Investigation.
He disclosed that Dean has also been turned over to the Police Professional Standards Division for a full investigation into the allegations.
According to Coleman, the alleged bribery occurred while the two suspects were under police custody as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
He stressed that the Police administration would not tolerate any officer using his or her position to undermine criminal investigations or compromise the integrity of law enforcement.
“This is a clear warning to all senior officers who think they can use their positions to jeopardize investigations,” Coleman declared.
“Anyone who engages in unethical conduct or attempts to bring this government into public disrepute will face the full weight of the law.”
The Inspector General reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to pursuing every lead in the case, regardless of who may be implicated.
“The Liberia National Police stands prepared to follow every piece of evidence wherever it leads,” he said.
“This is the people’s Police, serving the people’s government. We want to assure Liberians that we will go beyond every investigation to ensure that whoever commits a crime is prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
The latest action comes amid heightened public scrutiny of Liberia’s security institutions following several high-profile drug trafficking cases, including the recent seizure of a massive cocaine shipment in Duazon, Margibi County.
Authorities have repeatedly pledged that no individual, regardless of rank or influence, will be shielded from accountability.
Inspector Coleman noted that Dean has admitted to taking bribery of US$10,000 and that the Police Professional Standards Division is expected to commence its investigation into Dean’s alleged conduct.
FrontPageAfrica will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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