“LIBERIA NOT OPEN FOR DRUG BUSINESS” – GOV’T LAUNCHES FULL PROBE AFTER $19M COCAINE BUST AT RIA; BOAKAI ORDERS JOINT SECURITY TASKFORCE, VOWS TO Dismantle TRAFFICKING NETWORK
By: Princess C. Kossigba
MONROVIA, Montserrado County, – The Government of Liberia has launched a full-scale investigation following the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine worth more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), describing it as one of the largest narcotics interceptions in the country’s history.
In a statement released Tuesday, the government reaffirmed its commitment to fighting drug trafficking, declaring that Liberia remains open for legitimate investment but will not serve as a transit or operational base for criminal networks.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has directed the National Joint Security, under the National Security Council, to lead the investigation.
The probe is being coordinated by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and Liberia National Police (LNP), with support from the National Security Agency (NSA), Executive Protection Service (EPS), Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Customs, Airport Security, the Ministry of Justice, and other agencies.
Authorities said the investigation has two objectives: 1) identify and prosecute all individuals directly linked to the cocaine shipment, and 2) dismantle the broader criminal network financing and facilitating the operation.
“Investigators will follow the evidence wherever it leads,” the government stated, adding that no individual, institution, or organization will be shielded from accountability.
To strengthen the case, Liberia has intensified collaboration with international law enforcement partners through intelligence sharing, financial tracking, forensic analysis, and cross-border operations.
A high-level government delegation has been dispatched to engage foreign partners supporting the probe.
While acknowledging public calls for transparency, officials urged Liberians to remain calm, cautioning that premature disclosure of sensitive details could jeopardize the investigation, compromise evidence, and endanger informants.
He describing the fight against drug trafficking as more than a law enforcement challenge, calling it a battle for the future of Liberia’s youth, the safety of communities, and the credibility of national institutions.