Senators Question Michael Brown’s Disappearance,in US$19.2M Drug Case

MONROVIA, Liberia: Members of the Liberian Senate have raised concerns over the reported release of Michael Brown, a former Roberts International Airport (RIA) employee who was previously convicted on drug-related charges and is now linked to the ongoing investigation into the reported US$19.2 million drug seizure at the airport.

During Wednesday’s plenary session, lawmakers questioned how Brown, who was reportedly sentenced to five years in prison, was released before completing his sentence. They argued that his reported release and subsequent disappearance have fueled public concerns about the handling of the investigation.

River Cess County Senator Bill Teahway directly questioned Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, asking whether Brown was being protected to shield more prominent individuals allegedly connected to the drug trafficking case.

“Mr. Gregory Coleman, is Michael Brown being protected to shield prominent individuals believed to be behind this drug trafficking saga?” Senator Teahway asked.

In response to the concerns, the Senate mandated its Judiciary Committee to conduct a separate investigation into Brown’s reported release from the Monrovia Central Prison. Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence said the committee will determine when Brown was released, under whose legal authority the release was approved, and whether due process was followed.

The Senate’s decision comes as lawmakers continue their inquiry into the reported US$19.2 million drug case, which has drawn widespread public attention.

Meanwhile, Nimba County Senator Samuel Kogar called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to immediately suspend Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald Biago, and officials of the National Security Agency. Kogar argued that the suspensions would help restore public confidence and ensure an independent investigation.

The Senate’s concerns come amid growing public questions about the direction of the investigation. Some have questioned why Brown, who has been identified in testimony as a key figure in the shipment, remains at large while other individuals have been charged. Others have also questioned whether the investigation has fully examined the roles of all those allegedly connected to the shipment.

Separately, GLS Menzies, in a public statement, said its internal procedures intercepted the shipment on June 5 after it had already been cleared by airport security for departure. The company maintained that its internal controls detected and stopped the shipment before it left the airport.

Background

Authorities say approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at about US$19.2 million, were intercepted at Roberts International Airport in one of Liberia’s largest reported drug seizures. The case remains under investigation by a joint security task force.