“BASeless AND MALICIOUS”: FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY REJECTS DRUG TRAFFICKING ALLEGATIONS, WARNS MISINFORMATION THREATENS $370M NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION AND DIPLOMATIC TIES
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia has rejected allegations linking the Ministry and its leadership to drug trafficking, describing the claims as “false, baseless, and calculated to undermine the government’s fight against transnational crime.
The statement comes amid heightened public scrutiny following the $370 million cocaine seizure and other high-profile narcotics cases in recent weeks.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the Ministry said it had taken note, with serious concern, of recent attempts by certain individuals to falsely accuse the Ministry and its leadership of being involved with drug trafficking in Liberia.
“The Ministry categorically and unequivocally rejects these baseless allegations,” the statement said.
“These accusations are entirely false, unsupported by any credible evidence, and appear calculated to undermine public confidence in the Government of Liberia’s coordinated efforts to combat transnational organized crime.”
The Ministry warned that spreading such misinformation is “not only irresponsible but also detrimental to ongoing law enforcement investigations and the broader national interest.”
Addressing specific claims, the Ministry clarified the legal framework governing diplomatic pouches and parcels.
“The use of diplomatic pouch/parcel is strictly regulated under international law which requires the Ministry to facilitate the use of duty-free privileges by foreign missions and international organizations operating in Liberia,” the Ministry stated.
It “strongly rejected any allegation that tends to implicate the use of diplomatic pouch in the current narcotic investigation,” and dismissed claims that Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti “authorized or signed off on any diplomatic pouch connected to illicit activities.”
“Reckless allegations of this nature risk damaging Liberia’s longstanding diplomatic relationships and the mutual trust shared with its international partners,” the Ministry added.
The Ministry disclosed that it has led extensive diplomatic engagements on behalf of the Government of Liberia and the National Security Council to bolster the investigation.
It said outreach was undertaken with the United States, the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Serbia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the European Union, and other friendly governments.
“These engagements sought technical expertise, investigative support, intelligence cooperation, specialized training, and other strategic assistance necessary to strengthen Liberia’s commitment to combat transnational narcotics trafficking,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry urged the public and media to support the investigation and avoid spreading unverified claims.
It called on “members of the public, media institutions, and all stakeholders to release any information that aides the joint security in the ongoing investigation.”
The Ministry also urged Liberians to exercise responsibility in the dissemination of information and to refrain from amplifying unfounded allegations that undermine public institutions and the ongoing investigations.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its mandate to protect Liberia’s international standing while supporting domestic security efforts.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting Liberia’s national interests, strengthening strategic international partnerships, and supporting the Government of Liberia’s comprehensive efforts to eradicate illicit drug trafficking and all forms of transnational organized crime.