Several Commercial Drivers in Monrovia are raising alarmed over financial exploitation by a Police officer identified as Patrick with badge number (130) at the Vai Town police checkpoint.
According to the Drivers, Officer Patrick alias 130 asked them to pay the amount of Ten United States Dollar after presenting their document to the inspection team from the Ministry of Transport.
They said the officer seized their key for several hours following their refusal to pay the money thus depriving them of getting what they called their daily report.
The drivers who spoke to The Monrovia Times complained that their detention by Officer Patrick further hindered their normal working activities for the day.
“I wonder why some individual in the security sector will choose to bring this administration to public ridicule; it’s even unbelievable for an officer to still be demanding money after verifying our document.” One of the Drivers remarked.
They intimated that officer Patrick with badge number (130) action does not only testify to perception permeating the corridor of the public about the Liberia National Police also undermines the police code of ethics.
Meanwhile, when contacted the Liberia National Police Deputy spokesman Anthony Yanwulu stressed that the issue of police officers taking money from commercial drivers is wrong and has not been sanctioned by the police authority.
“We will investigate this allegation and if the officer in question is found guilty he will be dealt with in accordance with the law but we are aware of the ongoing inspection by the Ministry of Transport along with the LNP.” He said.
The ongoing Vehicle Inspection by the Ministry of Transport is part of government’s plan to uncover illegal vehicle plying the street in Liberia.
