–Information Minister Says Anyone Claiming Senior Government Officials Are Linked to The Country’s Biggest Drug Bust Should Immediately Cooperate With Investigators Instead of Making Unsubstantiated Public Allegations
MONROVIA – Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah has challenged politicians, activists and self-proclaimed patriots who claim to possess evidence linking senior government officials to Liberia’s ongoing US$19.2 million drug seizure investigation to immediately submit that information to investigators, warning that withholding such evidence while making public accusations undermines the country’s fight against organized crime.
Speaking Tuesday, June 30th, during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Piah said the government remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that everyone connected to what authorities have described as one of Liberia’s largest narcotics cases is identified and prosecuted, regardless of status or political affiliation.
He stressed that the investigation has grown beyond Liberia’s borders because of the international dimensions of the case, making it imperative for anyone with credible evidence to cooperate not only with Liberian investigators but also with foreign partners assisting the investigation.
“We have noticed as a government that there are a number of self-proclaimed nationalists and patriots who are claiming to have evidence on higher-ups in government who are allegedly connected to the drug situation,” Piah said.
“What I would like to say to those people is that it is time for you to put that patriotism and nationalism you claim to possess to the test.”
The minister said those making such allegations have a civic responsibility to present whatever evidence they possess instead of relying on speculation or political commentary.
“If you have information that links an actor in government—whether it is a minister, a managing director, or even family members of senior government officials—we encourage you not just to share it with us, but to share it with our international partners as well because they are involved in this investigation,” he said.
According to Piah, anyone genuinely interested in helping Liberia combat narcotics trafficking should cooperate with investigators rather than fueling public speculation.
‘Don’t Play Politics With A National Tragedy’
Piah warned against reducing one of Liberia’s most significant criminal investigations to political point-scoring, describing the narcotics case as a matter of national security with far-reaching consequences for the country’s future.
He said repeated public accusations unsupported by evidence only distract from the real objective of dismantling the criminal networks responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs into Liberia.
“Don’t sit back, call yourself a nationalist, call yourself a patriot, and throw accusations that there are people in government associated with this crime when you refuse to provide your evidence,” he declared.
“So if you don’t trust the government side of the investigation, kindly share your information with our international friends who are also participating in this process.”
The Information Minister also challenged individuals who claim they intend to reveal evidence only after elections or at the conclusion of the investigation.
“If you are determined to address the drug issue and you have evidence, present it now,” Piah said.
“Don’t wait until you become president or until the investigation is concluded before producing what you claim to know.”
He argued that withholding information while publicly claiming to possess it amounts to a disservice to the Liberian people.
“To claim that you have evidence linking higher-ups to such a major drug case and refuse to share it is irresponsible,” he added.
Government Defends Pace Of Investigation
Responding to growing public concern that the investigation has not progressed quickly enough, Piah defended the pace of the inquiry, explaining that investigators are pursuing every lead carefully because of the case’s international implications.
He said authorities are focused on ensuring that the investigation is thorough rather than rushed.
“We have said repeatedly that this investigation has a deeper international dimension,” he noted.
“There is absolutely no way anything can be compromised. The investigation may appear slow because investigators want to do the right thing, but eventually they will get to where they are supposed to get, and those who bear responsibility will face the appropriate action.”
Although Piah declined to identify the foreign investigative agencies assisting Liberia, he maintained that the participation of international partners strengthens the credibility of the process and minimizes any possibility of interference.
He cautioned that prematurely releasing operational details could jeopardize ongoing efforts to identify the wider criminal network believed to be behind the shipment.
Focus Is On Dismantling Drug Networks
During the question-and-answer session following his remarks, Piah said the investigation extends beyond identifying individual suspects and is instead aimed at dismantling the broader trafficking organization.
“When you’re dealing with a cartel, you’re not simply trying to identify one culprit,” he explained.
“What we’re doing is dismantling the cartel.”
He said revealing sensitive investigative details—including the identities of foreign agencies participating in the investigation—could undermine ongoing operations by alerting criminal actors.
“You aid the cartel when you begin disclosing sensitive operational information,” he warned.
“We will protect the sanctity of this investigation.”
The minister reiterated that the government’s challenge was directed specifically at those who continue making allegations against unnamed government officials without presenting supporting evidence through appropriate investigative channels.
“If your allegations are based on facts,” he said, “then present those facts.”
One Of Liberia’s Largest Drug Cases
The government’s latest comments come amid continuing investigations into the seizure of narcotics valued at approximately US$19.2 million, one of the largest drug interceptions in Liberia’s history.
The case has generated widespread national attention because of both the size of the seizure and persistent public speculation over whether influential individuals may have facilitated the shipment or assisted those behind the operation.
Since the drugs were intercepted, opposition politicians, civil society organizations and ordinary Liberians have called for a transparent investigation capable of exposing everyone involved, irrespective of political status, social standing or institutional affiliation.
Government officials have repeatedly assured the public that no individual will be protected if credible evidence establishes involvement in the crime.
Government Urges Public Cooperation
Piah said the success of the investigation ultimately depends not only on law enforcement agencies but also on the willingness of citizens to provide credible information that could assist investigators.
He maintained that the Boakai administration has no interest in shielding anyone implicated in the case and insisted that every allegation backed by evidence would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
“The current government is serious about the drug issue,” he declared. “The President has been clear about that. If there is anyone who doubts what is being said in this regard, just present what you have that links individuals in government to the crime.”
He emphasized that Liberia’s international partners remain actively engaged in the investigation, providing additional assurance that the process will be conducted professionally and independently.
Without identifying the foreign agencies involved, Piah said their participation reflects the transnational nature of the investigation and the government’s determination to dismantle every layer of the trafficking network.
A Test of Accountability
The minister said the government views the investigation as more than a criminal case, describing it as a critical test of Liberia’s commitment to the rule of law and accountability.
He warned that making sensational allegations without evidence risks damaging reputations while diverting attention from the real challenge of confronting organized drug trafficking.
According to Piah, patriotism demands cooperation with law enforcement rather than public grandstanding.
“This is nothing to joke with,” he said. “It concerns the future and survival of our nation. It has implications for our young people, our security and our international reputation. Such a grave matter cannot be reduced to politics or treated as an act of comedy.”
He urged Liberians to allow investigators to carry out their work without undue interference while encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Public Pressure Continues
The US$19.2 million drug seizure has remained one of the country’s most closely watched criminal investigations, generating intense public debate and widespread calls for transparency.
Since authorities announced the seizure, Liberians from across the political spectrum have demanded that everyone connected to the shipment—including financiers, facilitators and public officials, if any are implicated—be identified and prosecuted.
The government has consistently maintained that the investigation is ongoing and that no conclusions will be drawn until all available evidence has been examined.
During Tuesday’s press briefing, Piah sought to reassure the public that investigators remain focused on uncovering the full extent of the criminal enterprise rather than simply securing a handful of arrests.
His comments also represented the administration’s strongest response yet to persistent allegations circulating on social media and within political circles suggesting that senior government officials are connected to the case.
By publicly challenging critics to submit any evidence they claim to possess, the government signaled its willingness to have all allegations tested through a professional investigative process rather than through speculation or political debate.
As investigators continue their work, the administration says its priority remains ensuring that those responsible—regardless of their identity or position—are held accountable under the law while preserving the integrity of one of Liberia’s most significant anti-narcotics investigations.
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