Investigation conducted by the National Civil Society Union of Liberia (NACSUL) has uncovered misleading information in the accusation against the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Fitzgerald T.M. Biago, by Special Agent Myron Swen, who claimed that the OIC assaulted and threatened him during a recent official trip to Nimba County.
NACSUL’s investigative findings revealed that agent Swen may have been manipulated by individuals who do not mean well for OIC Biago in particular and the LDEA in general. The group noted that Swen’s explanation of the incident claimed that Biago slapped him in the face only because he responded to a question about the napkin in the car.
“Judging from Myron Swen’s explanation, one can deduce that Swen is either seeking relevance at the behest of the OIC’s reputation or is being teleguided by elements who are against the fight on drugs,” the NACSUL investigation stated.
The civil society group condemned the allegation and challenged the accuser to provide pictorial evidence to his claim of physical assault. The group described Biago as a professional individual who has been championing the welfare of LDEA officers who cannot humiliate his fellow officers.
In a release issued Tuesday, NACSUL said they have followed the workings of OIC Biago for a protracted period, spanning his days at the Liberia National Police (LNP), and can vouch for his character.
“Biago’s workings at the LNP for over 20 years and his few months at the LDEA have proved beyond doubt that he is a professional security person who has gone through the ranks and files of administration, and will not involve himself with assaulting an employee.
NACSUL’s findings concluded that OIC Biago did not engage in any form of physical abuse, intimidation, or unethical conduct toward agent Swen or any officer under his command.
The group then hailed Biago for recommending that the Board of Internal Inquiry of LDEA immediately conduct a full, impartial, and independent investigation into the matter, emphasizing that if Swen has a legitimate case he should seek redress through a court of competent jurisdiction.
NACSUL vowed to follow the case to a logical conclusion, and urged the LDEA boss not to be deterred in his unwavering stance against drugs. The group assured Biago that he has the full support of the public, and he should not give in to any scare tactic by individuals who want to sidestep the fight on drugs.
