MONROVIA, Liberia – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has relieved Deputy Commissioner for Crime Services Col. Johnny Dean of his duties after he allegedly admitted receiving US$10,000 in connection with suspects arrested in Liberia’s largest-ever cocaine seizure, Inspector General Col. Gregory O. Coleman announced.
Speaking at a press briefing on the ongoing investigation, Coleman said Dean, who headed the LNP’s Crime Services Division, commonly known as Unit 106, has been removed from his position with immediate effect. He has also been interdicted and referred to the Professional Standards Division for an internal investigation.
According to Coleman, Dean is not accused of participating in the cocaine trafficking operation itself. Instead, he is alleged to have compromised the integrity of the investigation by attempting to assist or provide comfort to individuals already in police custody.
“He has admitted to receiving US$10,000, and as such, Johnny Dean is relieved of his post with immediate effect,” Coleman told reporters.
The Inspector General said the administrative investigation will be followed by a criminal probe. If investigators determine that sufficient evidence exists, Dean will be formally charged and prosecuted.
“If he’s found culpable and charged, he will be taken to court as well,” Coleman stated.
To ensure the investigation continues without disruption, Coleman announced that the Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Criminal Investigation has been assigned to oversee Crime Services on an interim basis.
Coleman also delivered a stern warning to officers against corruption, emphasizing that no member of the police force, regardless of rank or position, would be protected from accountability.
“Nobody will hide behind your offices here and try to do anything unethical or that will bring this government into corporate disrepute,” he warned.
Describing the Liberia National Police as “the people’s police,” Coleman reaffirmed the force’s commitment to following the evidence wherever it leads.
“We stand ready and prepared to follow this investigation wherever the evidence leads,” he said.
He further assured the public that additional arrests remain possible as investigators continue to examine the case.
“Anyone connected will be subsequently arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law,” Coleman added.
Providing an update on the drug seizure, Coleman disclosed that investigators recovered 3,971 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated wholesale value of US$317.68 million.
He explained that the estimate was based on a conservative market value of US$80,000 per kilogram, noting that the street value could increase to nearly US$400 million once the drugs are broken down and sold in smaller quantities.
“The final street value can go even higher, almost US$400 million, depending on how the drugs are distributed and diluted,” Coleman said.
He added that authorities intentionally used a conservative valuation to avoid overstating the value of the seizure and dismissed speculation surrounding the investigation. Coleman stressed that the police remain focused on identifying everyone connected to the drug shipment and fulfilling their constitutional duty to enforce the law impartially.
Dean’s removal marks a significant development in the investigation, signaling that authorities are expanding their focus beyond the alleged traffickers to include public officials suspected of interfering with the administration of justice. Police say the probe remains active, with investigators tracing financial transactions and other evidence that could lead to further arrests.
