Pro-Temp Orders Probe into Release of Drug Suspect

MONROVIA, July 1, 2026 – Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has ordered the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Claims and Petitions to investigate the release of Michael Brown from the Monrovia Central Prison after questions emerged about his alleged connection to the ongoing US$19 million drug trafficking investigation.

The directive was issued Wednesday during a Senate hearing with the Joint Security, where lawmakers received an update on the investigation into the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19 million at Roberts International Airport.

Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman informed senators that Brown had previously been imprisoned on separate drug-related charges but was later released under a court order. His reported reappearance as a person of interest in the current investigation prompted lawmakers to question the circumstances surrounding his release.

Responding to the concerns, Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence mandated the Judiciary Committee to establish when Brown was released, determine whether all legal procedures were followed, identify the judicial authority that authorized his release, and report its findings to Plenary next Thursday.

The Senate said the investigation forms part of its broader oversight of the Joint Security’s handling of one of Liberia’s largest reported drug trafficking cases.