He says some media actors have received money from drug cartels to undermine the ongoing investigation, and also divert public attention from the subject matter.
Liberia National Police Inspector General (IG) Gregory O. W. Coleman, has alleged that the cartels linked to the recently seized cocaine have been providing money to media actors (not named) as part of an effort to undermine the ongoing investigation, and divert public attention from the case.
“We have verified, and investigated that the drug cartel has infused money into the media to undermine the investigation, and confused the public.”
Though Coleman failed to name his perceived media actors in the so-called money deal, he also accused the cartels of funding media campaign to undermine cocaine investigation.
The alleged campaign, according to Coleman, is intended to spread misinformation, discredit the investigation, and ultimately influence public opinion in a manner that could help those implicated in the drug trafficking investigation avoid prosecution.
Coleman said, the alleged actions are not only detrimental to the investigation, but could also damage Liberia’s image.
He made the disclosure on Thursday, July 30, at the Ministry of Information press briefing in Monrovia.
Coleman’s statement followed the destruction of more than US$300 million worth of suspected cocaine recently seized in Margibi County.
In a related development, LNP has disclosed how the amount of US$7000 was seized from the over US$317 million cocaine saga, charged senior security officers, and others.
LNP on Thursday, July 30, disclosed how several senior security officers in connection with an ongoing investigation into a major drug trafficking operation had been formally charged.
IG Coleman disclosed how investigators uncovered evidence showing that state security personnel played a key role in transporting narcotics from the landing site to a holding location.
According to Coleman, the shipment was escorted by police vehicles, with one vehicle leading, and another following the convoy.
Among those charged are Highway Patrol Chief Wadia Quabo, and Major Crimes Chief, Anthony Blaye. Both the officers have been detained at LNP Headquarters, and are expected to be forwarded to court for prosecution.
Coleman also disclosed how the only amount that was discovered during the seizure of the over US$317 million, and every other thing that were in those suitcases were all drugs.
Coleman revealed that the Deputy Commander assigned to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) at RIA has been identified as a significant person of interest in the investigation.
He emphasized that additional state security personnel remain under active investigation as authorities work to uncover the full scope of the alleged trafficking network.
Source: Smart News Liberia contributed to the story.
