Boakai Orders Sweeping Narcotics Investigation  -Vows to Assume Direct Investigation Leadership

MONROVIA: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has personally assumed leadership of Liberia’s response to one of the largest cocaine seizures in the country’s history. The interception of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport has elevated concerns about transnational criminal networks, institutional vulnerability, and border security. The administration now faces mounting pressure to deliver arrests, prosecutions, and accountability beyond the seizure itself. By transferring oversight to the National Joint Security architecture and engaging international partners, the government is signaling a broader strategy aimed at dismantling entire trafficking networks. As THE ANALYST reports, pundits say the outcome could shape public confidence in national security institutions for years ahead.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has addressed the nation regarding the recent seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, with an estimated street value exceeding nineteen million United States dollars.

The President described the seizure as one of the largest narcotics interdictions in Liberia’s history and said it serves as a stark reminder that transnational criminal enterprises continue to view West Africa as a transit corridor for dangerous drugs and illicit proceeds.

“Let me be loud and clear here. Though I maintain that Liberia is open for business, Liberia is not open for the business of drug trafficking,” President Boakai declared.

He stressed that Liberia will not be used as a safe haven, transit point, warehouse, financial center, or operational base by criminal networks engaged in narcotics trafficking.

The President warned that any individual, group, or network seeking to exploit Liberia’s territory, corrupt its institutions, endanger its youth, or undermine national security will be identified, pursued, and brought to justice.

National Security Takes Charge

President Boakai disclosed that, because of the seriousness of the incident, he directed that the investigation be conducted by the National Joint Security under the authority of the National Security Council.

According to him, the investigation is being coordinated by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP), with support from the National Security Agency (NSA), Executive Protection Service (EPS), Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Customs Authorities, Airport Security, the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant security institutions.

The President said the investigation will proceed on two fronts.

First, every individual directly connected to the shipment will be identified, arrested, investigated, and, where evidence warrants, prosecuted consistent with the law.

Second, authorities will seek to identify and dismantle the entire criminal enterprise behind the operation.

“We are not interested only in intercepting drugs or arresting couriers,” the President stated. “We are determined to expose and destroy the networks that finance, coordinate, facilitate, and profit from this criminal activity.”

International Cooperation Intensified

President Boakai announced that Liberia has strengthened cooperation with international partners to support the investigation through intelligence sharing, financial tracking, forensic analysis, and coordinated cross-border investigations.

He expressed confidence in Liberia’s security apparatus and said no one should underestimate the commitment of national security institutions.

To strengthen operational collaboration, he revealed that a high-level delegation has already been dispatched to engage key international partners and assist efforts aimed at identifying, disrupting, and dismantling all persons, organizations, and networks connected to the criminal enterprise.

The President emphasized that the investigation will follow the evidence wherever it leads.

“No person will be untouchable. No institution will be shielded from scrutiny. No criminal network will escape justice,” he asserted.

He further pledged that every individual found responsible will be held fully accountable under the law.

Call For Patience And Responsibility

President Boakai acknowledged public demands for information and accountability but urged Liberians to remain calm, responsible, and patient while investigators carry out their work.

He noted that while citizens have every right to expect transparency from government, successful investigations require discipline, professionalism, and the protection of operational information.

According to him, premature disclosures can compromise investigations, alert suspects, destroy evidence, hinder prosecutions, and endanger individuals cooperating with investigators.

The President assured the nation that the investigation will be conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, transparency, and accountability.

He said information will be shared with the public at appropriate stages of the investigation, consistent with the law and the need to protect ongoing operations.

Protecting Liberia’s Future

President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens, securing borders, preserving institutional integrity, and defending Liberia’s international reputation.

He described the fight against drug trafficking as more than a law enforcement challenge, calling it a struggle for the future of Liberia’s young people, the security of communities, the credibility of institutions, and the prosperity of the nation.

“We will confront this threat with determination, professionalism, and resolve,” the President declared. “Those who seek to profit from the suffering of our people or undermine the security of our nation will find no refuge in Liberia.”

He concluded by calling for national unity and determination in confronting the threat posed by narcotics trafficking.

“Together, with resolve, unity, and determination, we will win this fight,” President Boakai said. “May God bless us all and save the State.”