An officer of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Sergeant Peter Coleman, has reportedly been disrobed from the military, and jailed in Bong County.
Coleman’s woe follows his arrest in connection with the importation of an unspecified quantity of tramadol valued at nearly US$10,000.
His arrest has raised concerns over the alleged movement of controlled substances, and the involvement of a member of the national defense forces in a drug-related case.
Information surrounding the incident, suggested that the soldier was taken into custody after he was found in possession of the controlled substance in the county.
Circumstances leading to the arrest, including the source of the tramadol, and its intended destination, remain under investigation.
Following his arrest, Coleman was reportedly disrobed from the AFL as authorities forwarded him with inquiries into the allegation.
He is currently being held at the Gbarnga Central Prison, where he awaits further legal proceedings.
The alleged seizure involves tramadol, a pharmaceutical drug that can be subjected to control, and regulation, “because of its potential for misuse, and dependence.”
The reported value of the seized substance has added further attention to the case as investigators work to establish how the drugs came into Coleman’s possession, and whether others may have been involved.
Authorities are yet to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case through the appropriate investigative, and judicial processes.
The development comes at a time when Liberian authorities continue to face concerns over trafficking, and misuse of controlled substances, particularly the illegal circulation of pharmaceutical drugs.
Coleman’s alleged involvement in the case, however, has not been established in court.
The charges, and allegations against him remain subject to judicial determination, and he is legally presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court of jurisdiction.
