Published: July 27, 2026
MONROVIA – Executive Protection Service (EPS) Director Sam Gaye has vowed that the Liberian government will proceed this week with the destruction of approximately 4.2 metric tons of cocaine recently seized by state security forces, brushing aside alleged threats from what some claim is an international drug cartel.
“We will burn their 4.2 tons of cocaine this week. And we will videotape it and send it to them in Colombia. Bring it on if you’re vexed! Get in your boat or plane and come meet us at the burn site!” Gaye declared in a strongly worded statement.
His comments follow the circulation of a viral social media video purportedly showing individuals claiming responsibility for the cocaine shipment and demanding the release of two foreign nationals arrested in connection with the seizure within 24 hours.
However, the video’s authenticity remains unverified.
The footage has ignited a fierce political debate, with opposition figures maintaining that the video is genuine and reflects threats from the owners of the confiscated drugs. Supporters of the ruling Unity Party, meanwhile, contend that the footage was doctored or fabricated to spread fear and undermine the government’s anti-drug campaign.
Neither the Liberian government nor law enforcement agencies have publicly authenticated the video or confirmed any connection between those appearing in it and the suspects currently in custody. Likewise, no independent forensic analysis has been released to determine whether the footage is authentic or manipulated.
Against that backdrop, Gaye’s comments represent the government’s strongest public response yet to the controversy, signaling that authorities remain determined to destroy the narcotics despite the claims and counterclaims surrounding the viral recording.
The 4.2-ton cocaine seizure is regarded as one of the largest narcotics interceptions in Liberia’s history and has drawn significant international attention. Authorities arrested two foreign nationals during the operation, while investigators continue to pursue other leads to determine the origin, destination and broader network allegedly linked to the shipment.
The latest seizure comes only weeks after another major anti-drug operation in which security authorities intercepted approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport in Margibi County. That seizure, valued at more than US$19 million, underscored growing concerns among security experts that Liberia is increasingly being targeted by international drug trafficking syndicates seeking to move cocaine through West Africa to markets in Europe and elsewhere.
In recent years, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), working alongside other national security institutions and international partners, has intensified efforts to disrupt narcotics trafficking through increased intelligence gathering, tighter border surveillance and coordinated law enforcement operations. Despite those efforts, authorities have acknowledged that transnational criminal organizations continue to exploit weaknesses across the region.
The planned destruction of the seized cocaine is expected to be conducted under heavy security, with government officials viewing the exercise as both the lawful disposal of illegal narcotics and a demonstration of the state’s resolve against organized crime.
Meanwhile, investigators continue examining the viral video, the circumstances surrounding the two foreign suspects, and any possible links to international trafficking networks as the high-profile case moves through Liberia’s justice system.
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