MONROVIA – Liberia’s Joint Security on Thursday, July 30, supervised the destruction of 4,208.6 kilograms of cocaine, the largest quantity of illicit drugs ever seized in the country, as investigators moved closer to prosecuting three senior security officers allegedly linked to the sprawling trafficking investigation.
The destruction brought together cocaine seized in two major operations that have exposed what security officials describe as a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network operating through Liberia.
The larger consignment, 3,971 kilograms of cocaine, was seized during a Joint Security operation in Duazon, Margibi County, on July 21. Investigators estimated its street value at more than US$317 million.
The second consignment, 237.6 kilograms, was intercepted at Roberts International Airport on June 8 and was valued at approximately US$19 million.
Together, the seizures amounted to 4,208.6 kilograms of cocaine, underscoring the scale of the trafficking threat now confronting Liberia.
Three Senior Security Officers Identified
Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman disclosed that three senior security officers are expected to be forwarded to court for criminal prosecution as the investigation advances.
According to Coleman, those officers include the Chief of Highway Patrol, the Chief of Financial Crimes, and the Deputy Commander of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency assigned at Roberts International Airport.
Coleman did not publicly disclose the specific criminal charges expected against the officers, but said the investigation has produced sufficient developments for them to be forwarded to court.
The briefing was attended by Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh.
Coleman also disclosed that several other high-profile individuals remain in police custody while investigators examine their alleged connections to the suspected trafficking network.
He stressed that the investigation remains active, with law enforcement continuing to pursue additional suspects and persons of interest.
International Support
The Government says the investigation is receiving support from international partners, including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kingdom of Morocco.
Coleman described the alleged trafficking operation as a sophisticated transnational criminal network involving multiple actors and said investigators are working to identify and dismantle all elements of the network.
He further warned that the investigation would not be limited to private individuals.
According to the police chief, current and former public officials suspected of having links to the alleged syndicate will also be investigated and, where evidence establishes criminal culpability, brought before the law.
Security Agencies Warn Against Liberia Becoming Drug Transit Hub
Coleman recalled that a major cocaine trafficking network was dismantled during a coordinated security operation in 2017, resulting in arrests and the extradition of suspects who were later prosecuted abroad.
He said recent investigations, however, point to an apparent resurgence of transnational cocaine trafficking through Liberia.
Security officials suspect that criminal networks may have attempted to reactivate operational structures previously used to move narcotics through the country.
Coleman said the Joint National Security Task Force remains determined to dismantle any such networks and prevent Liberia from becoming a safe haven or transit point for illicit drugs.
The task force comprises the Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, National Security Agency and Executive Protection Service.
Coleman Defends Investigation, Warns Against Misinformation
The Inspector General also addressed concerns surrounding public commentary on the cocaine investigation, warning against what he described as attempts to use sections of the media and social media platforms to circulate unverified information or undermine confidence in the probe.
He urged journalists and members of the public to exercise caution and avoid making allegations against individuals without credible evidence.
Coleman said the investigation would be conducted professionally and impartially, emphasizing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law regardless of political affiliation or social status.
He called on Liberians to allow due process to take its course and support investigators as they work to uncover the full scope of the alleged trafficking network.
Record Drug Haul Destroyed
Meanwhile, the Joint Security proceeded with the destruction of the two cocaine consignments in accordance with established legal procedures.
In a message posted on his official Facebook page Thursday, Coleman described the destruction as a strong message against drug trafficking in Liberia.
He said the record seizure resulted from coordinated work by the Joint Security and a multi-agency investigation team tasked with identifying, apprehending and prosecuting individuals connected to the suspected criminal networks.
“Investigations remain active and ongoing,” Coleman said, noting that several suspects had already been charged and forwarded to court.
He added that law enforcement agencies were continuing to pursue additional leads and persons of interest to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The destruction of the 4,208.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued collectively at more than US$336 million based on the estimates provided by security officials, marks a major development in Liberia’s escalating fight against transnational organized crime.
But with three senior security officers now expected to face prosecution and other high-profile individuals still under investigation, the focus is shifting from the seized narcotics to the larger question of who enabled the trafficking network to operate through Liberia and how deeply the network may have penetrated the country’s security and institutional structures.
