–President Vows No One Will Be Shielded as Government Launches Full-Scale Investigation into Major Narcotics Bust
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued one of his strongest national security warnings since taking office, declaring that Liberia “is not open for the business of drug trafficking” following the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million at the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
In a nationwide address delivered Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Liberian leader described the interdiction as one of the largest narcotics seizures in the country’s history and vowed that those responsible, regardless of their status or connections, would be identified and prosecuted.
“This seizure is one of the largest narcotics interdictions in our nation’s history,” President Boakai said. “It is a stark reminder that transnational criminal enterprises continue to view West Africa as a transit corridor for dangerous drugs and illicit proceeds.”
The President’s remarks come amid growing public concern and widespread calls for transparency following the discovery of the massive cocaine shipment, which has quickly become one of the most closely watched criminal investigations in recent Liberian history.
“Liberia Is Open for Business, Not Drug Trafficking”
Seeking to reassure both citizens and international partners, President Boakai drew a clear distinction between his administration’s efforts to attract investment and its determination to combat organized crime.
“Though I maintain that Liberia is open for business, Liberia is not open for the business of drug trafficking,” the President declared.
He warned that Liberia would not be allowed to serve as a safe haven, transit point, warehouse, financial center, or operational base for international drug trafficking networks.
“Any individual, group, or network that seeks to exploit our territory, corrupt our institutions, endanger our youth, or undermine our national security will be identified, pursued, and brought to justice,” he said.
National Security Council Takes Charge
Given the magnitude of the case, President Boakai announced that he had directed the National Joint Security apparatus, operating under the authority of the National Security Council, to lead the investigation.
The probe is being coordinated by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP), with support from the National Security Agency (NSA), Executive Protection Service (EPS), Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), customs authorities, airport security, the Ministry of Justice, and other security institutions.
According to the President, the investigation will proceed on two separate but interconnected tracks.
The first objective is to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute every individual directly connected to the seized shipment.
The second and broader objective is to dismantle the criminal organization behind the operation.
“We are not interested only in intercepting drugs or arresting couriers,” Boakai said. “We are determined to expose and destroy the networks that finance, coordinate, facilitate, and profit from this criminal activity.”
“No One Will Be Untouchable”
In one of the strongest declarations of his address, the President vowed that the investigation would follow the evidence wherever it leads.
“Whether they operate within Liberia or beyond our borders, whether they are private citizens, public officials, financiers, facilitators, or foreign actors, they will face the full force of the law,” he said.
He further stressed:
“No person will be untouchable. No institution will be shielded from scrutiny. No criminal network will escape justice.”
The statement comes against the backdrop of increasing public debate, political accusations, and social media speculation regarding the ownership of the cocaine shipment and the identities of individuals who may be connected to it.
International Cooperation Intensified
President Boakai also disclosed that Liberia has activated international partnerships to strengthen the investigation.
According to him, the government is working closely with foreign law enforcement and security agencies through intelligence-sharing, financial tracking, forensic analysis, and coordinated cross-border investigations.
A high-level Liberian delegation has already been dispatched to engage international partners and expand operational collaboration aimed at identifying and dismantling the transnational networks behind the shipment.
The move reflects growing concerns among regional and international security experts that West Africa continues to be targeted by international drug trafficking syndicates seeking transit routes into Europe, North America, and other global markets.
Calls for Patience Amid Public Pressure
The President acknowledged growing public demands for information and accountability but urged Liberians to allow investigators the time and space needed to conduct a professional investigation.
He warned that premature disclosures could compromise operations, alert suspects, destroy evidence, hinder prosecutions, and potentially endanger individuals cooperating with authorities.
“The Liberian people have every right to expect transparency from their government,” Boakai said. “However, successful investigations require discipline, professionalism, and the protection of operational information.”
The statement echoes recent calls by Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah and officials of the LDEA, who have repeatedly urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains active.
A Fight for Liberia’s Future
President Boakai described the anti-drug campaign as more than a law enforcement exercise, calling it a battle for the future of Liberia’s youth and the credibility of national institutions.
“The fight against drug trafficking is beyond a law enforcement challenge; it is a fight for the future of our young people, the security of our communities, the credibility of our institutions, and the prosperity of our nation,” he said.
He concluded by assuring Liberians that his administration would confront the threat with determination and resolve.
“Those who seek to profit from the suffering of our people or undermine the security of our nation will find no refuge in Liberia.”
As investigators continue to pursue leads in what is shaping up to be one of Liberia’s most significant narcotics cases, the President’s message leaves little doubt that the government intends to pursue not only those directly involved in the shipment but also the wider criminal networks behind it.
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