MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), DCP Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, has requested temporary recusal from his official duties pending an investigation into an allegation that he received a Toyota pickup vehicle from an individual allegedly associated with a drug-trafficking organization.
In a letter dated August 8, 2026, addressed to Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Biago acknowledged the seriousness of the allegation while categorically denying that he solicited or knowingly accepted any gift, benefit or inducement from a drug trafficker or anyone acting on behalf of a drug-trafficking organization.
His decision to seek recusal marks a significant development at the agency responsible for leading Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs, particularly amid heightened public concern over alleged infiltration of state institutions by actors connected to the narcotics trade.
Biago said his request should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing, but rather as an institutional measure intended to protect the independence and credibility of any investigation.
“Temporary recusal is necessary to preserve the independence of the investigation, protect the integrity of the LDEA, and support public confidence,” he stated in the letter.
The LDEA chief also requested that an acting official be appointed during his recusal and called for a fair, impartial and transparent investigation to be concluded without undue delay.
He further pledged to cooperate fully with investigators and provide any relevant information or documentation lawfully requested.
The request comes just one day after Biago publicly rejected allegations circulating on social media concerning his leadership of the LDEA.
In a statement issued Friday, August 7, Biago described the allegations as “false, misleading, and without credible evidence,” insisting that he had never accepted a gift, favor or benefit from any individual or criminal organization in exchange for compromising his official duties.
He nevertheless said he remained prepared to cooperate with any lawful, independent and impartial investigation.
The latest development creates an important test for Liberia’s drug enforcement and accountability mechanisms.
With the country recently recording unprecedented cocaine seizures and investigations involving individuals within the security sector, allegations touching the leadership of the institution tasked with combating narcotics trafficking are likely to attract heightened public scrutiny.
Biago has maintained that his focus remains on dismantling criminal networks involved in illicit drugs and protecting Liberia’s national security.
However, his decision to voluntarily seek temporary recusal underscores the importance of ensuring that the investigation is conducted independently and without institutional interference.
The allegation remains unproven, and Biago has expressly denied any wrongdoing. Any investigation will therefore be critical in establishing whether the alleged vehicle was received, who provided it, the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction, and whether any connection existed between the alleged donor and a drug-trafficking organization.
