By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
Coalition cites lack of transparency in major narcotics cases, urges disclosure of individuals linked to the RIA cocaine seizure and review of unresolved drug investigations
MONROVIA – The Liberia Protest Coalition (LPC), a coalition of more than 37 civil rights organizations, political groups, student movements, community-based organizations, and pro-democracy activists, has petitioned the United States Embassy in Monrovia, calling for an international investigation into Liberia’s recent US$19 million cocaine scandal and warning that growing public distrust in the handling of major narcotics cases is fueling concerns about drug trafficking, transparency, and accountability in the country.
In a petition submitted Tuesday to U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joe Zadrozny, the coalition urged the United States Government and Liberia’s international partners to support an independent probe into the cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), as well as other unresolved narcotics cases that continue to raise questions about justice, public accountability, and the rule of law.
The petition, dated June 16, 2026, was submitted by the Liberia Protest Coalition, a conglomeration of more than 37 civil rights organizations, political groups, student movements, community-based organizations, and pro-democracy activists leading the planned #BoakaiMustLeadOrLeave Protest scheduled for July 17, 2026.
In the communication, the coalition expressed concern over what it described as a growing loss of public confidence in the government’s ability and willingness to impartially investigate and prosecute major drug-related crimes.
According to the petition, many Liberians have become increasingly skeptical of the manner in which high-profile narcotics cases are handled, citing what the group characterized as a troubling pattern of unanswered questions, selective disclosure of information, and unresolved investigations.
The coalition’s immediate concern centers on the recent seizure of approximately US$19 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport. While acknowledging the interception announced by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) as a significant development, the group argued that key details surrounding the case remain undisclosed.
Specifically, the coalition noted that the identities of the importer, consignee, financiers, and other individuals allegedly connected to the shipment have not been publicly revealed.
According to the petition, the continued withholding of such information has generated widespread concern among citizens who believe the public deserves a full accounting of those responsible for attempting to move such a large quantity of narcotics through Liberia.
“Transparency cannot be selective. Justice cannot be selective. Accountability cannot be selective,” the coalition declared.
As part of its demands, the coalition called on the United States Government, the U.S. Embassy, and Liberia’s international partners to support a full-scale independent investigation into the case.
Among the measures requested are the disclosure and examination of the cargo manifest, identification of the importer and consignee, review of customs and airport clearance procedures, identification of any public officials who may have facilitated or benefited from the shipment, and publication of a comprehensive investigative report for public scrutiny.
Beyond the recent cocaine seizure, the coalition also highlighted concerns regarding an unresolved 2025 narcotics case involving Dominic Morlue.
According to the petition, narcotics valued at approximately LRD 56 million were reportedly confiscated in the case. However, the coalition argued that many Liberians remain unaware of the final disposition of the matter, including whether it was fully investigated, prosecuted, and adjudicated.
The group noted that public allegations have circulated suggesting the suspect may have been released without a transparent judicial process and that the case eventually disappeared from public attention.
While acknowledging that such claims remain unverified, the coalition argued that the absence of clear public information has contributed to growing public suspicion and distrust.
For this reason, the petition requests a review of the investigation and disposition of the 2025 case as part of wider efforts to restore confidence in Liberia’s justice and law enforcement institutions.
The coalition further warned that repeated reports of major narcotics seizures over the last two years suggest that international trafficking networks may be increasingly exploiting Liberia’s borders, ports, and institutions.
According to the petition, the frequency and scale of recent drug interceptions raise serious questions about whether criminal organizations are using Liberia as a transit point for international narcotics trafficking.
The coalition stated that Liberians are unwilling to accept a future in which their country becomes associated with international drug trafficking networks.
“We say NO to a Narco-State. We say NO to the capture of state institutions by criminal networks. We say NO to the destruction of our country’s reputation. We say NO to the endangerment of our youth and future generations,” the petition stated.
The group argued that Liberia, founded on principles of freedom, justice, and democratic governance, must not be allowed to evolve into a transit hub for international narcotics operations while citizens remain uninformed about the outcome of major investigations.
In addition to petitioning the United States Embassy, the coalition appealed to President Donald J. Trump, the United Nations, ECOWAS, the African Union, and other international partners to closely monitor developments in Liberia and support efforts aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, democratic governance, and the rule of law.
According to the petition, Liberians deserve answers regarding major narcotics cases, equal treatment under the law, and a government capable of protecting the nation from criminal enterprises.
The document concludes that Liberia must remain a democratic state governed by law rather than what it described as a system characterized by secrecy, corruption, impunity, and weak accountability.
Signed by Hon. Mulbah K. Morlu, Lead Campaigner of the Liberia Protest Coalition, the petition adds new pressure on authorities to provide greater transparency in the handling of major drug investigations.
As the controversy surrounding the US$19 million cocaine seizure continues to grow, the coalition’s appeal signals an effort to elevate the issue beyond Liberia’s borders and place increased international attention on the country’s fight against narcotics trafficking and institutional accountability.
