–President Declares Drug Trafficking A National Emergency, Tells Cabinet No Position Or Political Influence Will Shield Anyone Implicated In US$19.2 Million Cocaine Investigation
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has delivered one of his strongest warnings yet against drug trafficking in Liberia, declaring that no government official or politically connected individual will be protected if found complicit in the country’s growing narcotics crisis.
Chairing a special Cabinet meeting on Thursday, July 2nd, devoted entirely to drug trafficking and substance abuse, President Boakai described the illicit drug trade as an entrenched national emergency that threatens Liberia’s future, damages the country’s international reputation, and places an entire generation of young people at risk.
In an unequivocal message to Cabinet ministers and the nation, the President vowed that his administration would pursue the ongoing anti-drug campaign without fear or favor, regardless of the status or influence of those implicated.
“No matter who is involved, what position you hold, nobody will be spared,” President Boakai declared, reaffirming his administration’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the country.
The President’s remarks come amid heightened public concern following the recent seizure of approximately US$19.2 million worth of cocaine, one of the largest drug interceptions in Liberia’s history, and an ongoing investigation involving Liberian authorities and international law enforcement partners.
Cabinet Meeting Dedicated To Drug Crisis
The Cabinet meeting was convened specifically to assess Liberia’s response to the growing drug menace, with presentations delivered by the Ministry of Health and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) focusing on both the demand and supply sides of the crisis.
Opening the meeting, Cabinet Director-General Nathaniel Kwabo reminded ministers that President Boakai had, from the outset of his administration, identified drug trafficking as both a national emergency and a national security threat.
Kwabo said Thursday’s deliberations reflected the government’s continued commitment to translating that declaration into concrete action through coordinated interventions across relevant institutions.
A National Emergency
President Boakai said Liberia’s fight against drugs goes beyond law enforcement, warning that the narcotics trade poses serious risks to public health, national development, and the country’s international standing.
“You heard about the 19 million drug that was seized here,” the President told Cabinet members.
“So we need to talk about it. We need to make people understand that this is something that we’re not going to just… no matter who is involved, what position you hold, nobody will be spared.”
He stressed that participation in the importation, distribution, or facilitation of illegal drugs would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“We can’t be involved in the importation, distribution, or whatever role you play in the drug sector, because it’s damaging to our country. It’s damaging to the health of our future generation,” he said.
According to the President, while law enforcement agencies have recorded notable successes, the persistence of major drug seizures indicates that criminal networks have become deeply rooted within the country.
“It looks like it’s something that has already been entrenched—that it’s a syndicate that we need to break,” he warned, describing the drug epidemic as a national emergency requiring sustained political commitment and coordinated action.
Recalling An Early Commitment
President Boakai reminded Cabinet members that combating drug trafficking has remained one of his administration’s top priorities since assuming office.
He recalled that shortly after taking office, both he and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung voluntarily underwent drug tests as a public demonstration of the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity.
He also noted that his administration formally declared drug trafficking a national emergency and national security threat during its early months in office, emphasizing that Thursday’s Cabinet meeting formed part of the government’s broader strategy to confront the crisis decisively.
Public Service Requires Courage
While acknowledging growing public debate surrounding the government’s handling of the recent cocaine seizure, President Boakai urged Cabinet members not to become distracted by speculation or misinformation circulating in public discourse.
Reflecting on criticism aired through radio talk shows and other platforms, he said public servants should remain focused on delivering results rather than responding to every allegation or commentary.
“Public service is not something that you always should expect people to be grateful about,” he said.
“I thank you for sometimes the courage not to even speak to it, but to do what you do to serve your people.”
The President noted that many public discussions surrounding the drug investigation are based on incomplete information, stressing that law enforcement authorities must be allowed to carry out their work professionally without undue political interference or speculation.
Cabinet Asked To Adopt Firm National Position
President Boakai concluded by calling on Cabinet members to adopt a united and uncompromising national position against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He said every institution of government must contribute to eliminating narcotics from Liberian society while protecting young people from addiction and criminal exploitation.
“It will be nice for the Cabinet to take a firm position after the discussion to just re-emphasize our stand against drug trafficking,” he said.
With investigations into the massive cocaine seizure continuing and international partners closely engaged in the process, the President’s remarks signal what could become an even more aggressive phase of Liberia’s anti-drug campaign—one that he insists will spare no one, regardless of rank, office, or political influence.
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