-Former Information Minister Alleges Critical Leads Are Being Overlooked and Says Liberians Deserve Answers about How the Massive Cocaine Shipment Entered and Moved through the Country
MONROVIA – Former Information Minister and ex-Liberia Maritime Authority Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Lenn Eugene Nagbe has raised serious questions about the government’s handling of the ongoing US$19.2 million cocaine seizure investigation, urging authorities to broaden the scope of the probe and pursue what he described as the “entire chain” of individuals connected to the shipment.
Appearing Sunday evening on Spoon FM/TV’s One-on-One with the CEO, hosted by Stanton Witherspoon, Nagbe argued that public discussions surrounding the case have focused heavily on airport personnel and individuals connected to the attempted exportation of the drugs, while leaving unanswered questions about how the shipment entered Liberia and who may have facilitated its movement before it arrived at Roberts International Airport.
The former Maritime Authority boss, who is Chief of Office staff to former President George Weah, said investigators should be looking beyond those involved at the point of departure and focus on every stage of the operation.
“What happened at the point of reception? What happened at the point of storage?” Nagbe asked during the interview. “Everybody they are talking about is at the point of exit.”
His remarks come amid an expanding investigation into the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million, one of the largest narcotics interceptions in Liberia’s history.
The case has already resulted in the designation of multiple persons of interest, including airport security personnel, cargo handlers, scanner operators, and senior officials connected to airport operations.
Nagbe also questioned aspects of the government’s evidence-gathering process, particularly the handling of surveillance footage that could potentially provide critical insight into the movement of the shipment.
According to him, securing and reviewing airport surveillance footage should have been among the first priorities of investigators following the seizure.
“One of the most substantive pieces of evidence should have been the CCTV footage,” he said. “You don’t wait for over a week before seeking access to it.”
The former government official further argued that public confidence in the investigation depends on whether authorities are seen as pursuing every lead without fear or favor.
While he stopped short of directly accusing any individual of wrongdoing, Nagbe suggested that investigators must thoroughly examine all allegations and claims surrounding the case, regardless of who may be implicated.
His comments represent one of the strongest public interventions by a senior opposition figure since the drug seizure was announced earlier this month. The Boakai administration has repeatedly insisted that the investigation will be conducted professionally and independently.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai recently assured the nation that no individual would be shielded from scrutiny, regardless of position, influence, or political affiliation, while Attorney General and Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh has pledged to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
Authorities have also emphasized that the objective extends beyond identifying couriers or handlers and includes dismantling any broader criminal enterprise connected to the shipment.
Nevertheless, Nagbe maintained that Liberians deserve a complete account of how such a significant quantity of cocaine allegedly entered, moved through, and nearly exited the country.
“The Liberian people want the truth,” he said. “They want to know everybody connected to this matter, not just a few people.”
The cocaine seizure has become one of the most closely watched criminal investigations in recent years, sparking public debate about drug trafficking, border security, and institutional accountability.
As Joint Security continues its investigation, pressure is likely to mount on authorities to provide answers not only about those who handled the shipment at the airport, but also about the broader network that may have facilitated the operation.
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