Published: July 3, 2026
MONROVIA – Television cameras captured Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency Officer in Charge Fitzgerald Biago in visible discomfort throughout Thursday’s emergency Cabinet meeting, shifting repeatedly in his seat and displaying a strained expression as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai addressed the country’s ongoing US$19 million drug investigation.
Footage from the session showed Biago twisting and turning in his chair, his chin resting on his hand for long stretches and his head lowered as Boakai told Cabinet officials the probe would spare no one regardless of rank or connection. The footage circulated widely on social media following the meeting, drawing more than 600 comments from viewers who described his demeanor as visibly troubled.
None of the commenters accused Biago of wrongdoing, but many said his physical unease suggested he was under strain related to the case. Qenton Hodges wrote that Biago’s posture at both a recent Senate appearance and the Cabinet meeting suggested he possessed information he was not free to disclose.
“From Biago’s posture at the Senate yesterday and today, you can tell he has some information but his hands are tied. Some higher-ups in the joint security are suppressing something,” Hodges wrote.
Jimmy Wilson wrote that public pressure over the case should not fade the way scrutiny of past scandals has, and called for accountability regardless of a suspect’s wealth or status.
“Pressure will continue against the system until those big fish that are involved get arrested and jailed. We cannot keep disgracing and jailing poor people because of drug and on the other hand, we continue to protect the rich people that are involved,” Wilson wrote.
Biago has not publicly addressed his demeanor during the meeting. The Liberian Investigator sought comment from Biago and the LDEA and had not received a response by press time.
Boakai told the 22nd Cabinet meeting, held under the theme “Combating the Drug Epidemic: A Responsive Agenda,” that the drug crisis threatens Liberia’s youth population and international standing and requires urgent action.
“The drug epidemic is a national emergency that we have to deal with,” Boakai said, calling on Cabinet officials to adopt a firm stance against trafficking and substance abuse nationwide.
Boakai reminded officials that he and Vice President Jeremiah Koung took voluntary drug tests upon taking office, saying that precedent left no room to shield anyone connected to the current investigation.
“No matter who is involved, what position you hold, nobody will be spared if we find you involved in the importation, distribution, or any role in the drug sector,” Boakai said.
Boakai urged the public to reject misinformation surrounding the case and to allow the investigation to proceed to its conclusion.
The meeting focused on assessing Liberia’s response to drug and illicit trafficking, with emphasis on strengthening collaboration among government institutions on prevention, law enforcement and treatment, along with rehabilitation and public awareness efforts.
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