ANC POLITICAL LEADER ALEXANDER CUMMINGS DEMANDS INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO US$19.2M RIA DRUG BUST, WARNS OF COLLUSION
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
MONROVIA, Montserrado County,– Alternative National Congress political leader Alexander Cummings has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, warning that the case threatens Liberia’s national security and economic future.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Cummings said the June 8 seizure of narcotics valued at nearly US$19 million is not just a criminal matter— it is a direct threat to the country’s national security, the integrity of the governance institutions, and the very foundation of the country’s socio-economic future.
He cautioned that drug trafficking has historically destabilized nations, corrupted public institutions, fueled violence, destroyed communities, and crippled economic progress,” adding that Liberia “must never be allowed to walk that dangerous path.”
Cummings said he was alarmed by allegations of possible collusion involving individuals within or close to government, including elements of security and investigative agencies.
“While allegations are not evidence, and every citizen is entitled to due process, the gravity of these claims demands full transparency, professional investigation, and public accountability,” he said.
“We are watching this process with an eagle’s eye, any attempt by hidden hands, powerful interests, or political actors to obstruct or compromise the investigation will be treated as a direct assault on the rule of law.”
The ANC leader outlined four urgent actions:
- Independent probe: Establish a credible, transparent investigation involving national institutions, supported where necessary by trusted international partners.
- Public disclosure: Release findings to Liberians, including identities of all implicated individuals “regardless of status, position, or political affiliation.”
- Prosecution: Ensure anyone found culpable faces justice “without fear, favor, political interference, or selective application of the law.”
- Security upgrades: Reinforce airport security, border surveillance, and anti-corruption safeguards across all law enforcement agencies.
Cummings also warned of reputational damage abroad: “At home, drug trafficking endangers our youth, families, and communities.
Abroad, it risks eroding investor confidence and damaging Liberia’s reputation among allies at a time when we desperately need trust, investment, and cooperation to grow our economy.”
“The future of our nation is too precious to be compromised by criminal enterprise, corruption, or political protection,” he concluded.
The Ministry of Justice says the Joint National Security Task Force is investigating how 237.6kg of cocaine moved through multiple stages of RIA’s cargo chain.