–Protest Coalition Demands Transparency, International Probe as Pressure Mounts Over One of Liberia’s Largest Drug Seizures
MONROVIA, Liberia – The civil society group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) and its allied organizations have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), demanding the public disclosure of all individuals and entities linked to the recent seizure of nearly a quarter-ton of cocaine valued at approximately US$19 million.
The demand comes days after the LDEA announced the interception of 198 compressed plates of cocaine concealed in six cargo boxes at Roberts International Airport (RIA), a seizure authorities described as one of the largest narcotics busts in Liberia’s history.
In a strongly worded statement released by Mulbah K. Morlu, Lead Campaigner of the STAND-led Liberia Protest Coalition, the group argued that while the seizure itself represented a major law enforcement success, the government’s credibility now depends on whether those responsible for the shipment are identified and prosecuted.
“The true test of Liberia’s commitment to fighting narcotics is not the seizure itself, but whether the owners, financiers, facilitators, protectors, and beneficiaries of the shipment are identified and prosecuted where evidence warrants,” the statement said.
“Liberians want accountability, not public relations victories.”
Growing Questions Over Secrecy
The coalition expressed concern that despite public announcements about the operation, authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the alleged masterminds behind the shipment.
According to STAND, claims that the transnational nature of the investigation requires secrecy should not prevent authorities from providing basic information necessary to maintain public confidence in the investigation.
The group argued that transparency is essential in a case of such national significance and warned that prolonged silence could fuel speculation and undermine public trust.
The latest demand adds to growing public debate following the June 8 interception, which LDEA officials said was carried out through intelligence-led operations involving joint security personnel assigned at Roberts International Airport.
At the time, LDEA Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald T. M. Biago described the operation as a breakthrough in Liberia’s fight against transnational drug trafficking and vowed to pursue all individuals connected to the shipment.
However, authorities have so far released limited details regarding ownership of the cargo, its intended destination, and the identities of key suspects.
Call for International Oversight
In a notable escalation, STAND called on the United States, European Union, United Nations, and other international partners to support what it described as an independent and internationally monitored investigation into the case.
The coalition said international oversight would help ensure impartiality and strengthen public confidence in the outcome of the investigation.
“As a coalition of more than thirty-seven civil society organizations, political groups, student movements, community organizations, and pro-democracy activists, we support a robust investigation that follows every lead and applies equal scrutiny to all suspects regardless of wealth, status, influence, or political affiliation,” the statement said.
Allegations Against Business Figures
The coalition also referenced allegations circulating from various sources that purportedly link Liberian twin brothers Paul King and Peter King to a broader narcotics trafficking network allegedly involving warehouse facilities at the Freeport of Monrovia, freight-forwarding operations, and logistics channels extending to Roberts International Airport.
STAND stressed that the allegations remain unproven and have not been substantiated by investigators.
Nevertheless, the organization argued that the seriousness of the claims warrants a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation.
The group further questioned why several individuals described as lower-level actors reportedly remain detained while other persons mentioned in public discussions have not been publicly linked to the investigation.
“No Sacred Cows”
One of the strongest themes of the statement was the coalition’s insistence that the investigation extend beyond private individuals to include public officials and institutions that may have had responsibility for oversight, security clearance, cargo processing, or operational control related to the shipment.
Without alleging wrongdoing against any specific official, STAND called for scrutiny of all institutions connected to the movement of the cargo, including law enforcement agencies, port authorities, customs officials, airport personnel, and national security institutions.
The group specifically mentioned senior officials within the Liberia National Police, the National Port Authority, the National Security Council, and other government agencies, emphasizing that equal scrutiny must be applied to everyone regardless of status or political influence.
” No individual should be shielded from investigation. No institution should be above scrutiny. No one should be beyond the reach of justice,” the statement declared.
Specific Demands
The coalition is demanding that within 72 hours the LDEA publicly disclose:
- The identities of all suspects and persons of interest connected to the shipment;
- Cargo manifests and shipping records;
- The names of importers, consignees, freight-forwarding entities, and associated companies;
- Details regarding customs, airport, and security clearances;
- Information concerning any public officials under investigation; and
- A comprehensive update on the status of the case.
Drug Bust Among Largest in Liberia’s History
The pressure campaign follows the LDEA’s announcement that it intercepted approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside cargo boxes transported through Roberts International Airport.
Authorities estimated the street value of the drugs at approximately US$19.2 million, or more than LRD 3.6 billion.
The seizure has been widely regarded as one of the most significant anti-narcotics operations conducted in Liberia in recent years and has renewed concerns about the country’s vulnerability to international drug trafficking networks operating across West Africa.
The region has increasingly become a transit corridor for cocaine shipments moving from Latin America to European markets, prompting intensified cooperation between local security agencies and international partners.
Investigation Continues
As of press time, the LDEA had not publicly responded to STAND’s ultimatum.
The agency has repeatedly stated that investigations remain active and that persons of interest are being identified.
Authorities have also maintained that additional disclosures could affect ongoing investigative efforts.
Meanwhile, the controversy is likely to add further momentum to ongoing national discussions about transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of Liberia’s anti-drug enforcement efforts.
For now, the focus remains on whether investigators can identify and prosecute those responsible for a shipment that many observers believe represents one of the largest narcotics operations ever uncovered in Liberia.
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