Published: June 16, 2026
MONROVIA – President Joseph N. Boakai has vowed to hunt down and dismantle the criminal network behind a record cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, ordering a full joint security investigation into one of the largest drug interdictions in Liberia’s history.
In an address to the nation Tuesday evening, Boakai said authorities seized about 247.6 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $19 million. He described the seizure as a stark reminder that transnational criminal enterprises continue to view West Africa as a transit corridor for dangerous drugs and illicit proceeds.
“Though I maintain that Liberia is open for business, Liberia is not open for business of drug trafficking,” Boakai said. He said the country would not be used as a safe haven, transit point, warehouse, financial center or operational base by any criminal network engaged in narcotic trafficking.
The president said any individual, group or network that seeks to exploit Liberian territory, corrupt its institutions or endanger its youth would be identified, pursued and brought to justice.
Boakai said he directed that the investigation be conducted by the National Joint Security under the authority of the National Security Council. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and the Liberia National Police are leading the probe, with support from the National Security Agency, the Executive Protection Service, the Financial Intelligence Agency, the Liberia Immigration Service, customs authorities, airport security and the Ministry of Justice, along with other security institutions.
The investigation will proceed on two fronts, the president said. First, every individual directly connected to the shipment will be identified, arrested, investigated and, where evidence warrants, prosecuted. Second, authorities will work to identify and dismantle the entire criminal enterprise behind the operation.
Boakai said the government is not interested only in intercepting drugs or arresting carriers but is determined to destroy the networks that finance, coordinate, facilitate and profit from the trade, whether they operate within Liberia or beyond its borders. He said private citizens, public officials, financial facilitators and foreign actors found to be involved would face the full force of the law.
The president said he had directed Liberia to strengthen cooperation with international partners. The government is engaging with international law enforcement and security agencies through intelligence sharing, financial tracking, forensic analysis and coordinated cross-border investigation, he said. A high-level delegation has already been dispatched to engage key international partners and strengthen operational collaboration.
No institution would be shielded from scrutiny and no criminal network would escape justice, Boakai said. He pledged that those found responsible would be held fully accountable under the law.
The president called on Liberians to remain calm, responsible and patient as investigators carry out their work. He acknowledged the public’s demand for information and accountability and said the people have a right to expect transparency from their government. He cautioned, however, that successful investigations require discipline, professionalism and the protection of operational information, warning that premature disclosure could alert suspects, destroy evidence and endanger the lives of those supporting the investigation.
Boakai assured the nation that the investigation would be conducted with the highest standard of professionalism, integrity, transparency and accountability. He said information would be shared with the public at appropriate stages, consistent with the law and the need to protect ongoing operations.
The fight against drug trafficking is more than a law enforcement challenge, the president said. He described it as a fight for the future of the nation’s young people, the security of its communities, the credibility of its institutions and the prosperity of the country.
“We will confront this threat with determination, professionalism, and resolve,” Boakai said.
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