By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia has announced what authorities describe as one of the country’s largest narcotics seizures, revealing that security forces recovered 3,971 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of US$317.68 million during a raid in Duazon, Margibi County.
The announcement came Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as Attorney General and Minister of Justice Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, speaking on behalf of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, disclosed that preliminary findings suggest a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network may have been operating in Liberia for more than six years.
The disclosure marks a significant escalation in Liberia’s ongoing anti-narcotics campaign, which has intensified following a series of major cocaine seizures in recent months.
According to the Justice Minister, the latest operation followed intelligence developed during an ongoing investigation into suspected transnational narcotics trafficking activities.
Several persons of interest were arrested and detained on Monday, July 20, 2026, before intelligence gathered during subsequent investigations led security personnel to a property in the VOA Community along the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Highway in Duazon, Margibi County.
Acting under a court-authorized search and seizure warrant, members of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force searched the premises on Tuesday, July 21, where they recovered approximately 3,971 kilograms of processed plates of suspected cocaine.
The suspected narcotics have since been secured as evidence pending scientific examination.
The Justice Ministry confirmed that two foreign nationals were arrested in connection with the seizure. Authorities identified one suspect as a Serbian national and the other as a dual Colombian-Spanish national.
However, the government declined to disclose their identities, stating that doing so could compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Officials said both suspects remain in custody and are cooperating with investigators.
In addition to the suspected cocaine, investigators recovered several items believed to be linked to the operation, including diving suits, a firearm, GPS tracking devices, a drone, Starlink satellite internet equipment, and other materials now undergoing forensic examination.
According to the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, evidence gathered thus far points to an organized, sophisticated and well-financed narcotics trafficking operation.
The criminal network may have been operating within Liberia for more than six years, while investigators continue examining the origin of the suspected cocaine, its ownership, transportation methods, intended destination, financial transactions, logistical arrangements, and all individuals potentially connected to the operation.
The government also pledged continued cooperation with both domestic and international law enforcement agencies to identify additional suspects and dismantle any broader criminal networks associated with the case.
The Justice Ministry announced that the Duazon property where the suspected cocaine was discovered will be confiscated and forfeited to the Government of Liberia under the Amended Controlled Drug and Substance Act of 2023.
The vehicle allegedly used to transport the suspected narcotics will also be confiscated, according to the Justice Ministry.
Additionally, the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force has been instructed to initiate similar forfeiture proceedings against the residence of Paul King on V.P. Road.
According to the government, the property was allegedly used to store, retrieve and transport the 237.6 kilograms of cocaine seized on June 8, 2026, in a separate high-profile narcotics case currently before the courts.
Despite widespread public interest in the investigation, the government cautioned against speculation regarding individuals who have not been formally charged.
The Justice Ministry emphasized that those currently being questioned or investigated remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in accordance with Liberian law. Officials said additional information will only be released when investigators determine that disclosure will not jeopardize ongoing investigative activities or future criminal prosecutions.
Reaffirming the government’s anti-drug campaign, Attorney General Tweh declared that Liberia will not allow its territory to serve as a transit corridor, storage facility or operational base for international narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime.
He stressed that anyone found criminally responsible, regardless of nationality, political influence, official position or social status, would face the full weight of the law.
“We assure the public that no individual, regardless of status, influence or affiliation will be shielded from accountability where the evidence establishes criminal responsibility,” the Attorney General said.
He also assured Liberians that all seized narcotics and related evidence are being preserved under strict chain-of-custody procedures to safeguard future prosecutions.
Describing narcotics trafficking as a major threat to Liberia’s national security, public institutions and future generations, the Justice Ministry urged citizens to cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could assist the ongoing probe.
The public was also urged to refrain from circulating unverified information and to allow investigators to carry out their work without interference.
The Attorney General warned that drug trafficking fuels corruption, weakens public institutions and destroys the lives of young people.
He further encouraged Liberians to remain vigilant by questioning unexplained wealth within their communities and reporting credible information through appropriate security channels, assuring the public that measures are in place to protect witnesses from intimidation or retaliation.
The Justice Ministry concluded by reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law without fear, favor or political pressure, emphasizing that justice depends on thorough investigations, credible evidence and prosecutions capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.
Officials said the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force will continue updating the public as additional verified developments emerge in what is shaping up to be one of Liberia’s largest and most consequential narcotics investigations.
