Published: May 22, 2026
KAKATA, Margibi County — In a dramatic twist in one of Liberia’s most high-profile narcotics prosecutions, businesswoman Quita Kosso Dolo on Friday pleaded guilty to charges linked to an alleged cocaine trafficking operation during proceedings before the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Kakata, Margibi County.
The guilty plea came during the formal reading of the indictment against multiple defendants accused in the widely publicized cocaine case, which has intensified public concern over Liberia’s growing drug crisis and possible internal compromise within the country’s anti-drug enforcement system.
Guilty Plea Shifts Momentum of Case
According to our judicial correspondent, Dolo and co-defendant Abdullah Sheriff admitted to the charges when asked by the court to respond to the indictment. However, four other defendants — reportedly officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) — denied all allegations and entered pleas of not guilty.
Friday’s hearing focused primarily on formally presenting the charges against the accused and obtaining their official pleas ahead of the commencement of full trial proceedings.
Legal observers say the guilty pleas could significantly influence the direction of the case, particularly if prosecutors seek cooperation or testimony tied to wider drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Liberia.
Cocaine Allegedly Smuggled Through RIA
The case stems from Dolo’s arrest at the Roberts International Airport after arriving from Bangkok, Thailand aboard Kenya Airways Flight KQ887.
Authorities alleged that during a routine security inspection, officers of the LDEA discovered approximately 3.355 kilograms of cocaine concealed in her luggage.
Investigators estimated the street value of the seized narcotics at more than US$181,000, making it one of the most significant recent cocaine seizures reported by Liberian authorities.
Following weeks of investigation, state prosecutors filed multiple charges under Liberia’s revised Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including trafficking, importation, possession, distribution of narcotic substances, criminal facilitation, and criminal conspiracy.
LDEA Connection Raises Public Concern
The alleged involvement of individuals connected to the LDEA has heightened national attention surrounding the case, with many Liberians closely monitoring the proceedings amid fears of possible internal complicity within the country’s anti-drug enforcement apparatus.
Security around the courthouse was visibly tightened during Friday’s proceedings as journalists, lawyers, family members, and residents gathered to follow developments in the case.
Government Intensifies Anti-Drug Campaign
The case comes amid the Liberian government’s intensified anti-drug campaign in response to mounting public pressure to address the widespread availability of narcotics, particularly among young people.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that Liberia risks becoming a major transit corridor for international drug trafficking syndicates operating across West Africa.
Meanwhile, the court is expected to continue hearings in the coming days as prosecutors present evidence against the remaining defendants who denied the charges.
No sentencing date has yet been announced for Dolo and Sheriff following their guilty pleas.
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