Boakai Wields Axe on Security Chiefs Amid Multi-Million-Dollar Cocaine Probe

‎By: Sampson Weah
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‎IPNEWS: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has taken sweeping action against senior security and government officials allegedly linked to major narcotics trafficking investigations, dismissing, suspending, and ordering investigations into several officials as part of an intensified crackdown on drug crimes.
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‎The Executive Mansion announced Thursday that the actions followed the President’s review of the latest investigative report into two high-profile cocaine trafficking cases that have shaken the country’s security sector.
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‎Among those dismissed are Mark Egon Kuiah, Deputy Director for Operations at Roberts International Airport (RIA); Johnny Bolar Dean, Commissioner of Police for Criminal Investigation, Intelligence and INTERPOL at the Liberia National Police (LNP); and Patrick Doe, Deputy Director for Administration at the National Security Agency (NSA).
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‎President Boakai also recalled Patrick Komasu (702) from his assignment with the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), suspended him without pay, and ordered a full investigation into his alleged involvement.
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‎The President further ordered the dismissal of government employees and law enforcement officers indicted in connection with two major cocaine seizures: 198 plates of processed cocaine intercepted at Roberts International Airport and 3,971 plates of cocaine confiscated from properties linked to two foreign nationals.
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‎Those removed from office include Mohammed O. Gbowrah, Director of Security at Roberts International Airport, and Moses Jallah, Deputy Commander of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency assigned to the airport.
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‎In a separate action, President Boakai dismissed Liberia National Police officers Anthony T. Blaye and Wadell W. Kwarbo after investigators alleged they used government vehicles to transport a narcotics shipment from Vincent Town along the Bomi Highway to the Mega Mart area in Thinker Village, Paynesville.
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‎The President also dismissed Jammel V. Jallah, Christian L. Nyantee, Caycee Nelson, and Albenigo Janior, directing that they be turned over to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.
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‎According to the Executive Mansion, the latest actions reflect the administration’s determination to ensure that public officials accused of criminal conduct are removed from government service and held accountable under the law.
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‎President Boakai reaffirmed that his government will continue to combat narcotics trafficking without fear or favor, stressing that no individual, regardless of position, will be shielded from investigation or prosecution.
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‎He also instructed all security and law enforcement agencies to intensify ongoing investigations and ensure that every person connected to the drug trafficking cases is brought before the courts in accordance with due process.
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‎The dismissals come as Liberia strengthens its nationwide campaign against illicit drugs following two record cocaine seizures this year, including narcotics valued at more than US$336 million. The government has since destroyed the seized cocaine and pledged to dismantle the criminal networks fueling the country’s growing drug trade while protecting Liberia’s national security and international reputation.