–Presidency Dismisses Publication as False, Says President Never Received Alleged Confidential Memo and Warns Against AI-Generated Disinformation
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Executive Mansion has strongly rejected claims that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai received and ignored a confidential intelligence report warning of widespread drug cartel infiltration within the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), describing the allegations as false, misleading, and unsupported by fact.
In a statement issued Wednesday, July 15, by the Office of the Presidential Press Secretary, the Presidency specifically refuted a publication by FrontPage Africa alleging that President Boakai had been presented with an intelligence report on September 19, 2025, warning that Liberia was at risk of becoming a “narco-state.”
The Executive Mansion categorically denied that the President ever received such a report.
“President Boakai did not receive, and has not received to date, any such purported report referenced by the newspaper,” the statement said.
The Presidency further argued that suggestions the President ignored an intelligence warning are “false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” urging the public to dismiss what it characterized as misinformation.
The rebuttal comes amid heightened public attention following the recent seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at about US$19 million, at Roberts International Airport (RIA)—one of Liberia’s largest narcotics interceptions in recent years. The drug bust has intensified public debate over organized drug trafficking, airport security, and the effectiveness of Liberia’s anti-narcotics institutions.
According to the Executive Mansion, the publication relied on an unverified document whose authenticity has never been established or corroborated by the Office of the President.
The Presidency warned that presenting allegations contained in unverified documents as established facts risks misleading the public, eroding confidence in state institutions, and undermining responsible public discourse.
“The public is therefore advised to dismiss and reject these false claims, which appear calculated to misinform citizens and divert attention from the significant efforts being undertaken by this Administration to confront drug trafficking and transnational organized crime,” the statement said.
Administration Defends Anti-Drug Record
The Executive Mansion used the statement to defend President Boakai’s record in combating narcotics trafficking, maintaining that the fight against illicit drugs remains one of the Administration’s highest national security priorities.
According to the Presidency, since assuming office, President Boakai has implemented a series of measures aimed at strengthening Liberia’s response to drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Among those initiatives, the statement highlighted the President’s decision to publicly undergo a drug test—an unprecedented move intended to demonstrate transparency and accountability—and his subsequent encouragement for other government officials to do the same.
The Presidency also cited the establishment of a high-level inter-agency committee to coordinate Liberia’s anti-drug response, enhanced collaboration among security institutions, leadership reforms within key law enforcement agencies, and increased logistical and operational support for institutions responsible for combating narcotics trafficking.
Investigation Into US$19 Million Cocaine Seizure
The Executive Mansion further stressed that immediately after authorities intercepted approximately 238 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, President Boakai ordered a comprehensive, professional, and independent investigation into the case.
According to the statement, the Government has since fully supported the ongoing investigation while working closely with both domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure that everyone connected to the trafficking operation is identified and prosecuted, regardless of their status or position.
The Presidency said the Administration remains committed not only to law enforcement efforts but also to addressing the broader public health and social consequences of substance abuse through coordinated programs involving security agencies, health authorities, youth institutions, community organizations, and international partners.
Warning Over AI-Generated Documents
A significant portion of the Executive Mansion’s statement focused on what it described as the increasing circulation of fabricated documents generated through artificial intelligence.
The Presidency cautioned Liberians to exercise vigilance when encountering purported government documents circulating on social media and other digital platforms.
According to the statement, advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier to produce documents that appear authentic but are entirely fabricated.
The Office of the Presidential Press Secretary urged citizens to verify official government communications through recognized government channels before accepting or sharing such materials.
Call for Responsible Journalism
The Executive Mansion also appealed to media institutions to adhere to the principles of verification, accuracy, and fairness, particularly when reporting on matters involving national security.
While acknowledging the important role investigative journalism plays in democratic governance, the Presidency emphasized that reports involving purported classified or confidential government documents should undergo rigorous authentication before being presented as factual.
“The Executive Mansion remains committed to transparency, accountability, the protection of Liberia’s national security, and sustaining the fight against drug trafficking, organized crime, and all threats to the safety and well-being of the Liberian people,” the statement concluded.
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