–Attorney General Says Liberia’s Expanding Narcotics Investigation Will Be Driven by Facts, Not Rumors, Urges Public to Submit Evidence Rather Than Speculation
MONROVIA, Liberia – Justice Minister and Attorney General Counselor Natu Oswald Tweh has defended the government’s handling of Liberia’s expanding anti-narcotics investigation, declaring that no individual will be arrested or prosecuted merely because their name is mentioned on radio talk shows, social media platforms or other public forums.
Speaking Thursday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Tweh stressed that Liberia’s justice system remains committed to due process, insisting that investigators will only pursue criminal charges where credible evidence establishes probable cause.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over Liberia’s record cocaine investigations, which have already resulted in the dismissal, suspension, arrest and prosecution of several government officials, security personnel and private citizens.
“The Ministry of Justice does not investigate or arrest people simply because their names are mentioned in public,” Tweh said.
“We do not build criminal cases on rumors, speculations, or political commentary. We build cases on facts, evidence, and the law.”
Evidence Will Determine Who Is Prosecuted
The Attorney General emphasized that investigators remain committed to following the evidence wherever it leads, regardless of the identity or status of those implicated.
He explained that investigators first assess whether information received can be independently verified before determining whether sufficient legal grounds exist for further investigation, arrest or prosecution.
According to Tweh, only cases supported by credible evidence will proceed before the courts.
“Our responsibility is to determine whether there is credible information that can be independently verified and whether the available evidence establishes probable cause for further investigative or prosecutorial action,” he said.
“Where credible evidence exists, we will investigate thoroughly. Where an investigation establishes probable cause, arrests will be made. Where the evidence supports prosecution, charges will be filed.”
Rumors Cannot Replace Criminal Evidence
The Justice Minister warned that allowing public accusations alone to dictate criminal investigations would undermine Liberia’s justice system and unfairly damage the reputations of innocent people.
“If every allegation made on the radio automatically resulted in an arrest, innocent people would have their reputations destroyed before justice, and the justice system itself would lose its credibility,” he cautioned.
Tweh further noted that freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, but said that right carries corresponding responsibilities.
He warned that individuals who publicly accuse others of serious criminal conduct without factual support may themselves face legal consequences.
“Freedom of expression is a constitutional right, but that freedom carries responsibility,” he said.
“Publicly accusing individuals of serious criminal conduct without any factual basis does not assist law enforcement. It undermines legitimate investigations, unfairly damages reputations, and exposes those making false allegations to legal consequences.”
Government Encourages Whistleblowers to Come Forward
While cautioning against speculation, Tweh encouraged anyone with credible information relating to the ongoing drug investigations to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
He urged members of the public to provide evidence to the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Liberia National Police (LNP), or any member of the Joint Security Task Force.
In an unusual appeal, he added that individuals who lack confidence in Liberia’s security institutions may also provide evidence directly to Liberia’s international partners assisting with the investigation.
“Bring your information to the Ministry of Justice, to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, to the Liberia National Police, or any member of the Joint Security Task Force,” Tweh said.
“Alternatively, if you do not trust our security apparatus, give your evidence to our foreign partners.”
‘No One Is Beyond the Reach of Justice’
Reaffirming the Boakai administration’s anti-drug campaign, the Attorney General said the government has already demonstrated that public office or institutional affiliation offers no protection where evidence establishes criminal conduct.
He noted that investigators have already pursued public officials, members of the security sector and private citizens, promising that future investigations will continue to follow the evidence without fear or political interference.
“We have investigated public officials, security personnel, and private citizens where the evidence has warranted such actions,” Tweh said.
“We will continue to do so without fear or political consideration.”
International Cooperation Continues
Tweh also disclosed that Liberia continues to work closely with international partners, including the United States Government, in the ongoing narcotics investigation.
He revealed that agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are currently assisting Liberian investigators, describing the cooperation as evidence of growing confidence in Liberia’s commitment to dismantling organized drug trafficking networks.
According to him, American officials continue to express confidence in the integrity of the government’s investigation.
Background
Liberia is conducting what authorities describe as the country’s largest-ever anti-drug investigation following the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport. Subsequent investigations uncovered an additional 3,971 plates of cocaine, bringing the estimated combined street value of narcotics seized to approximately US$317.68 million.
The investigation has resulted in multiple arrests, dismissals, suspensions and criminal charges involving officials from the Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, National Security Agency, Roberts International Airport and several other government institutions.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has repeatedly declared that there will be “no sacred cows” in the government’s anti-narcotics campaign, while investigators continue pursuing what authorities believe is a sophisticated drug trafficking cartel operating within Liberia.
Tweh concluded by urging Liberians to support the rule of law by allowing investigators to complete their work professionally and by submitting evidence rather than rumors.
“Justice is not served by lawless accusation,” he said. “Justice is served by credible evidence, due process, and a faithful application of the law.”
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