Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia National Police (LNP) Inspector General Gregory Coleman has dismissed the Chief of Intelligence for Unit 106, Johnny Bolar Dean, over allegations that he accepted a US$10,000 bribe to influence the treatment of two suspected drug traffickers detained at Police Headquarters.
The dramatic decision comes as security authorities intensify investigations into what is being described as Liberia’s largest narcotics case, following the seizure of approximately 3,971 kilograms of suspected cocaine valued at an estimated US$317.68 million.
Announcing the action on Thursday, Inspector General Coleman said Dean was immediately relieved of his duties and replaced by the Deputy Police Commissioner for Interpol Intelligence and Investigation. He further disclosed that the dismissed intelligence chief has been handed over to the Police Professional Standards Division for a comprehensive investigation.
According to Coleman, the alleged bribery took place while the two drug suspects were in police custody awaiting further investigation. The Police Chief warned that the administration would not tolerate corruption or abuse of office by officers entrusted with enforcing the law.
”This serves as a warning to every officer, regardless of rank, that anyone who compromises a criminal investigation or tarnishes the integrity of the Liberia National Police will face the full force of the law,” Coleman declared. He reaffirmed the LNP’s commitment to pursuing every lead without fear or favor, stressing that no one would be protected because of their position or influence.
”The Liberia National Police will follow every piece of evidence wherever it leads. Our duty is to the Liberian people, and we remain committed to ensuring that every individual who violates the law is held accountable through due process,” he stated.
Inspector General Coleman also disclosed that Dean allegedly admitted to receiving the US$10,000, adding that investigators from the Professional Standards Division have begun a full inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged payoff.
History of Controversy
This is not the first time Johnny Bolar Dean has found himself at the center of public controversy.
In 2016, he was among several police officers suspended and investigated over allegations including armed robbery, conspiracy, and abuse of office. However, following an internal investigation, the Liberia National Police announced that Dean and the other officers were exonerated and later reinstated due to insufficient evidence.
His name has also surfaced in recent years during public debates over police accountability, with critics questioning his continued rise within the security sector despite previous allegations. Unlike the earlier accusations, the current allegations emerge during one of the country’s most sensitive anti-drug investigations and have intensified public scrutiny of Liberia’s law enforcement institutions.
The latest development follows repeated assurances by the government that no public official, regardless of rank or status, will be shielded from investigation or prosecution in the ongoing crackdown against drug trafficking and official corruption. Authorities maintain that Dean remains under investigation, and any determination of criminal guilt will be made through Liberia’s judicial process.
