–Agency Says Viral Resignation Letter Targeting OIC Fitzgerald Biago Is a Misinformation Campaign as Authorities Expand Efforts to Dismantle the Network Behind Liberia’s Historic US$19.2M Cocaine Seizure
MONROVIA – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has forcefully dismissed as fake a widely circulated resignation letter purportedly written by its Officer-in-Charge, DCP Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, amid mounting public attention surrounding the government’s investigation into the seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The agency’s response comes as Liberia’s largest-ever narcotics investigation continues to widen, with security authorities identifying ten Persons of Interest and intensifying efforts to dismantle what officials believe may be a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network operating through the country.
Viral Letter Sparks Public Concern
The controversy erupted Friday, June 19, when a letter bearing the official letterhead of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency began circulating across social media platforms.
The document, purportedly addressed to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and dated June 19, 2026, claimed that DCP Biago was resigning as Officer-in-Charge and Interim Director of the LDEA due to escalating threats against himself and his family arising from ongoing investigations into the multimillion-dollar cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport.
According to the document, the alleged threats stemmed from efforts to uncover criminal networks linked to the historic drug bust. The purported author claimed that the safety of his family had become a greater priority than remaining in office and indicated that his resignation would become effective on June 29.
The letter quickly gained traction online, triggering widespread speculation about possible internal pressure and security concerns surrounding the high-profile investigation.
LDEA Rejects Letter as Fake
Hours after the document went viral, the LDEA issued a strongly worded statement categorically rejecting its authenticity.
“The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency unequivocally rejects and condemns the false, malicious, and reckless reports circulating on social media alleging that DCP Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, Officer-in-Charge of the LDEA, is contemplating resignation due to pressure arising from ongoing investigations,” the agency said.
The statement emphasized that Biago has never expressed any intention to step down and remains fully committed to leading the agency’s anti-drug efforts.
“At no time has the Officer-in-Charge expressed, discussed, or entertained any intention to resign,” the LDEA declared.
The agency described the circulating document as part of a deliberate misinformation campaign designed to damage the institution’s credibility and divert attention from ongoing anti-narcotics operations.
“We Will Not Be Intimidated”
The LDEA maintained that neither its leadership nor its operations would be derailed by attempts to spread false information.
According to the agency, DCP Biago continues to enjoy the confidence of President Boakai and remains firmly focused on the agency’s mission.
“DCP Biago remains fully committed to the responsibilities entrusted to him by His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and continues to lead the Agency with firmness, integrity, and determination,” the statement noted.
The agency further stressed that it would not allow misinformation, propaganda, or external pressure to weaken its resolve.
“The LDEA will not be intimidated, distracted, or influenced by misinformation campaigns, propaganda, or external pressure. We remain resolute in carrying out our mandate and enforcing the law without fear, favor, or compromise.”
Historic Drug Bust Shakes Liberia
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of one of the most consequential criminal investigations in Liberia’s recent history.
On June 8, security authorities intercepted approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine concealed within cargo at the Global Logistics Services (GLS) Menzies Warehouse at Roberts International Airport.
The narcotics, with an estimated street value exceeding US$19.2 million, represented one of the largest cocaine seizures ever recorded in Liberia.
The discovery immediately prompted President Boakai to order a comprehensive investigation under the authority of the National Security Council, involving the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, customs authorities, airport security personnel, and the Ministry of Justice.
In a national address earlier this week, President Boakai declared that Liberia would not become a safe haven, transit point, warehouse, financial center, or operational base for international drug traffickers.
“Though Liberia is open for business, Liberia is not open for the business of drug trafficking,” the President warned.
Justice Ministry Names Persons of Interest
The investigation entered a new phase on Thursday when Attorney General and Minister of Justice Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh publicly identified ten Persons of Interest connected to various stages of the cargo handling chain at Roberts International Airport.
Those named include airport security officials, scanner operators, cargo handlers, and executives of private companies involved in airport cargo operations.
The list includes:
- Philip Yeoh, Security Manager, GLS Menzies
- Festus S. Musa, Cargo Handler, GLS Menzies
- Ruth Gbapaywhea, RIA Scanner Agent
- Archie Nyanfor, Cargo Handler, Express Handling Services (EHS)
- Arthur B. Abdullai, CEO, Express Handling Services
- Geraldine Zeon, RIA Scanner Agent
- Mohammed Gbowrah, Security Director, Roberts International Airport
- Paul J. King, CEO, GLS Menzies
- Oscar Browne, Chief of Intelligence, RIA Security
- Emmanuel T. Zeon, Transporter, Express Handling Services
Authorities disclosed that Paul J. King, Oscar Browne, and Emmanuel T. Zeon are currently at large.
The Justice Ministry emphasized that the designation of a Person of Interest does not amount to a finding of guilt and that all individuals remain entitled to due process under Liberian law.
Probe Expands Beyond Single Shipment
Investigators believe the case may extend far beyond the June 8 seizure.
According to the Ministry of Justice, evidence gathered thus far suggests the shipment passed through multiple stages of Liberia’s cargo handling system and may be linked to a broader criminal enterprise operating across borders.
Authorities are examining cargo documentation, financial records, surveillance footage, communication data, screening logs, and other evidence to determine whether previous shipments associated with some of the same actors may have been connected to the network under investigation.
International law enforcement partners have also joined the probe, assisting Liberian authorities with intelligence sharing, financial tracking, forensic analysis, and cross-border investigations.
Focus Remains on Investigation
Despite the controversy generated by the fake resignation letter, authorities insist that the investigation remains firmly on course.
The government has repeatedly stated that its objective is not merely to arrest couriers or intercept narcotics, but to expose and dismantle the entire criminal enterprise responsible for financing, facilitating, transporting, concealing, and attempting to export illicit drugs through Liberia.
As investigators continue to pursue suspects, follow financial trails, and analyze evidence, officials say the Liberian public will be updated as significant developments emerge.
For now, the LDEA says its leadership remains intact, its operations remain active, and its commitment to bringing those responsible to justice remains stronger than ever.
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