House National Security Committee Chairman, Representative Alfred Koiwood, is requesting that the plenary of the House of Representative turns over the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) officer involved in the allegation of drug trafficking against an unidentified lawmaker for investigation.
Representative Koiwood noted that his committee is the only relevant body in the Legislature that is clothed with the authority to investigate national security matters and other related offences.
He said the allegation made by the officer is sensitive and requires a speedy investigation to disclose the identity of the lawmaker involved, in order to clear the name of all members of the august body.
The Gbarpolu County lawmaker emphasized further that, if exposed, the House will then take appropriate action against the lawmaker, that it may serve as a deterrent to public officials bent on using their title to undermine state security.
Speaking in an interview with the Hot Pepper a day after the LDEA officer was invited by the plenary of the House to throw light on the allegation, Representative Koiwood pointed out that the House’s standing rules forbid lawmakers from unlawful behavior, including drug trafficking, rape and other related offences.
He emphasized that drug trafficking is the root cause of the increase in criminality and drug addiction among the youths, whom he described as future leader of the country.
Representative Koiwood recalled that the international community is spending huge sums of money each year to fight drug globally, and Liberia should not be an obstacle to that effort.
He maintained that the issue has the propensity of tarnishing the reputation of the entire National Legislature if no action is taken to restore confidence in lawmakers.
The lawmaker vowed to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated, and all involved made to face justice, irrespective of their position and connection in government.
It can be recalled that recently the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency Commander assigned in Bardnersville Township, identified only as Massalay, took the entire nation by surprise when she alleged that a lawmaker, whose name she declined to disclose, was found in possession of narcotics during a search of his official vehicle.