–Authorities Arrest Two Foreign Nationals, Recover Nearly Four Metric Tons of Suspected Cocaine, Vow No One Will Be Shielded as Investigation Widens
Monrovia, Liberia – July 22, 2026 – Liberia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Counselor Natu Oswald Tweh, has announced what authorities describe as one of the largest narcotics seizures in the country’s history, disclosing that investigators recovered approximately 3,971 kilograms (3.97 metric tons) of suspected cocaine valued at an estimated US$317.68 million during a major operation in the VOA Community, Duazon, along the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Highway in Margibi County.
Addressing the nation Wednesday, July 22nd, Counselor Tweh said the operation has uncovered what investigators now believe is an organized, sophisticated, well-funded transnational narcotics trafficking network that may have been operating in Liberia for more than six years, signaling a dramatic escalation in the government’s campaign against international drug syndicates.
“This investigation has generated significant evidentiary leads and has indeed revealed an organized, sophisticated, complex and well-funded narcotics trafficking network,” the Justice Minister declared in a prepared statement.
“It has also revealed that this network may have been operating in Liberia for a considerable period—more than six years.”
Operation Followed Intelligence-Driven Arrests
According to the Minister, the breakthrough followed the arrest of several persons of interest on Monday, July 20, by the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, which has been leading the investigation into suspected transnational narcotics trafficking.
Information gathered during those interrogations and intelligence operations directed investigators to a property in the VOA Community in Duazon.
Armed with a court-authorized search-and-seizure warrant, members of the Task Force searched the premises at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, recovering nearly four metric tons of suspected cocaine packaged in processed plates.
The substances have since been secured as evidence pending scientific laboratory examination.
Two Foreign Nationals Arrested
Counselor Tweh disclosed that authorities have detained two foreign nationals in connection with the seizure.
The suspects include a Serbian national and a dual Colombian-Spanish national, both of whom are currently assisting investigators.
Authorities intentionally withheld their identities, explaining that doing so is necessary to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and future prosecutorial efforts.
Drone, Starlink Equipment, Firearm Recovered
Beyond the suspected cocaine, investigators recovered several sophisticated pieces of equipment believed to be connected to the trafficking operation.
Among the items seized were:
- Diving suits;
- A firearm;
- GPS tracking devices;
- A drone;
- Starlink satellite internet equipment; and
- Additional materials investigators believe may have supported the operation.
The Justice Minister said forensic and investigative examinations are underway to determine how the equipment was used and its connection to the broader trafficking network.
Investigation Expands Across Borders
Authorities say investigators are now tracing every aspect of the operation.
The investigation is focusing on:
- the origin of the shipment;
- ownership of the narcotics;
- transportation methods;
- intended international destination;
- financial transactions;
- logistical support networks;
- domestic collaborators; and
- international criminal organizations connected to the operation.
Counselor Tweh said Liberia will continue working closely with national and international law-enforcement partners to dismantle the entire trafficking enterprise.
“Given the quantity involved and the circumstances surrounding the seizure, the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force is pursuing all available investigative leads to determine the full scope of this illicit narcotic operation,” he said.
Properties and Vehicles to Be Confiscated
The Justice Minister announced that the Duazon property where the drugs were discovered will be confiscated by the Government under provisions of the Amended Controlled Drug and Substance Act of 2023.
The vehicle allegedly used to transport the narcotics will likewise be forfeited.
Additionally, authorities have been instructed to initiate confiscation proceedings against the residence of Paul King on V.P. Road, which investigators say was used to store, retrieve and transport narcotics seized during an earlier operation on June 8, 2026.
Government Warns Against Speculation
While acknowledging intense public interest in the case, Counselor Tweh urged Liberians to avoid speculation regarding individuals who have not been formally charged.
He emphasized that all persons currently under investigation remain legally presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
“Their arrest and detention as persons of interest do not constitute a finding of criminal responsibility,” he said, adding that information will only be released when disclosure will not compromise investigations or future prosecutions.
‘Nobody Will Be Shielded’
Reaffirming the Boakai administration’s anti-drug campaign, the Attorney General declared that Liberia will not become a transit point, storage hub or operational base for international narcotics trafficking.
“Any individual, regardless of nationality, position or status, against whom credible and admissible evidence is established will be held accountable in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Liberia,” he said.
“We assure the public that no individual, regardless of status, influence or affiliation will be shielded from accountability where the evidence establishes criminal responsibility.”
Public Asked to Help Investigators
The Justice Minister appealed directly to citizens to support the investigation by reporting credible information to security authorities.
Calling narcotics trafficking a national security threat, Tweh warned that drug syndicates undermine public institutions, fuel corruption and endanger Liberia’s youth.
He urged citizens to question suspicious displays of wealth and cooperate with law-enforcement agencies, assuring that measures are in place to protect witnesses from intimidation or retaliation.
Latest Blow in Liberia’s Expanding Anti-Drug Campaign
The latest seizure comes just weeks after Liberian authorities intercepted another major cocaine shipment linked to an international trafficking network, an operation that has since expanded into one of the country’s largest narcotics investigations.
The government’s intensified crackdown has drawn strong public support and renewed international cooperation, with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai previously declaring that “nobody will be spared” in the fight against drug trafficking, regardless of rank or political influence.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah has also challenged anyone possessing credible evidence linking government officials or politically connected individuals to the drug trade to present that information to Liberian authorities and international investigative partners.
Wednesday’s announcement by the Justice Minister significantly broadens the scope of the investigation, suggesting authorities are no longer pursuing isolated seizures but are targeting what they believe is a deeply entrenched transnational criminal enterprise that has used Liberia as an operational hub for years.
The Joint National Security Investigative Task Force says additional arrests, laboratory findings and formal criminal charges will be announced as investigations progress and evidence is developed.
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