By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Pressure is mounting on the Liberian government and the Joint Security apparatus as concerns grow over what many describe as an alarming silence in the ongoing investigation into the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), with Senator Abraham Darius Dillon calling for immediate public disclosure of progress in the case.
In a Facebook post on Monday, June 29, 2026, Senator Dillon expressed frustration over the lack of updates nearly three weeks after the major drug interception, warning that the continued silence is eroding public trust and fueling suspicion about the integrity of the investigation.
“The prolonged and deafening public silence by the Joint Security investigating the over ‘$19 Million United States Dollars Cocaine Case’ (since June 9th) is becoming even more troubling and vexing,” Dillon stated.
He noted that there has been no public update on arrests, charges, or identified suspects since the initial announcement of the seizure, adding: “No known culprit/s! No charges!! No arrests!! Silence is no longer understandable.”
The Montserrado County senator further warned that the absence of information is “brewing even more public distrust and casting suspicions on the seriousness and credibility of the ongoing investigation,” urging the Joint Security to provide updates “this week, no fear; no favor.”
His remarks come amid growing national scrutiny of the Boakai administration’s handling of one of Liberia’s largest drug busts in recent history, involving approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine concealed in six cargo boxes reportedly destined for Europe via Brussels Airlines.
Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh previously disclosed that at least ten individuals, including airport personnel, cargo handlers, security officials, and company executives, have been identified as persons of interest in the case. However, three suspects reportedly remain on the run.
Among those named are officials linked to GLS Menzies, Express Handling Services, and Roberts International Airport security operations, raising serious concerns about possible internal complicity within Liberia’s aviation and cargo handling systems.
The case first gained national attention following the June 8 interception of the shipment at RIA, where airport screening personnel reportedly detected inconsistencies between X-ray images and the declared cargo contents. Officials later confirmed that the consignment contained 198 compressed plates of cocaine with an estimated street value of US$19.2 million.
Deputy Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority, John Buway, told lawmakers that the cargo was flagged after scanners revealed suspicious discrepancies, prompting immediate notification of national security authorities.
Despite the initial success of the seizure, the investigation has since exposed what appears to be a complex and transnational trafficking network, with Justice Minister Tweh warning of international links extending beyond Liberia’s borders.
The unfolding revelations have intensified public debate over how such a large quantity of narcotics entered the country and whether systemic weaknesses in border security may have been exploited by organized criminal networks.
During recent legislative hearings, officials acknowledged both the significance of the seizure and the troubling gaps it exposed in national security and airport oversight systems.
As the investigation continues, the combination of public silence, incomplete disclosures, and unresolved arrests has heightened political pressure on the government to demonstrate transparency and accountability.
For many Liberians, the case is becoming a defining test of the state’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking networks operating within its borders and ensuring that all individuals involved regardless of rank or influence are brought to justice.
