Published: June 16, 2026
MONROVIA – Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah has defended the government’s handling of the investigation into a cocaine seizure valued at about US$19 million, urging the public to let investigators work without political interference, speculation or misinformation.
Speaking Tuesday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Piah said the case is a transnational crime involving both Liberian authorities and international partners, which he said makes it impossible for any individual or group to manipulate the investigation.
“The recent US$19 million seizure is a transnational crime, meaning the investigation extends beyond Liberia and involves international cooperation,” Piah said. “The scope of such investigations is broader than many assume.”
The minister contrasted the current case with major drug seizures between 2018 and 2023, arguing that previous administrations failed to properly prosecute those linked to large-scale trafficking.
“Many may have forgotten that during that period, two major drug busts occurred. One involved cocaine valued at over US$30 million, while another involved drugs worth approximately US$100 million that entered the country through the Freeport of Monrovia,” he said.
Piah said authorities at the time charged individuals who were not directly connected to the US$100 million case, resulting in failed prosecutions and allowing the actual perpetrators to escape.
“As a result, the individuals walked free, while the real perpetrators, who were they knew and protected, escaped justice after bringing US$100 million worth of cocaine into the country,” he said.
Piah said the Boakai administration is determined not to repeat those mistakes and will charge only those who can be directly linked to the crime through evidence. He pointed to recent gains in the anti-drug campaign, saying courts secured about 15 drug-related convictions in 2025 and seven so far in 2026.
“The current administration has maintained that it does not intend to repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said.
The minister cautioned against what he called growing misinformation and propaganda surrounding the investigation, warning that public pressure should not replace professional law enforcement procedures.
“Law enforcement officials are expected to carry out their professional responsibilities without political interference,” Piah said. “Those who are trained to do what they do should be given the chance to do their job.”
He said many investigators on the case have received advanced international training and are working alongside credible foreign partners, and he dismissed suggestions that the investigation could be compromised.
“There is no way anyone can compromise an investigation involving serious international partners,” he said.
Piah said that once investigators determine who bears responsibility, the public will see the legal process unfold.
“This case will not be a repeat or a replica of the investigation involving the US$100 million drug seizure. It will be handled differently,” Piah said.
He urged Liberians to be patient and to allow the investigation to proceed without undue political influence, insisting the government remains committed to accountability and justice in the case.
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