MONROVIA – A Liberian civic organization has joined the growing call for an independent investigation into the US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport. The Liberia Renaissance Office Incorporated has issued a formal press statement expressing alarm at the scope of the alleged criminal network and concerns about alleged collusion involving state actors, security personnel, and individuals close to the corridors of power. The organization is actively engaging with local and international partners, diplomatic channels, and civil society to ensure the matter is treated with urgency. It has warned that Liberia risks being branded a narcotics-trafficking state if the government fails to act decisively. The statement was signed by Coordinator George Gyude Wisner. THE ANALYST reports.
The Liberia Renaissance Office Incorporated (LIROI) has issued a formal press statement expressing deep alarm over the reported seizure on June 8, 2026, of narcotics valued at nearly US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), and calling for the immediate establishment of an independent, credible, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and hold all implicated individuals accountable.
The organization noted that initial public information, including updates from the Ministry of Justice, suggests the existence of a wider criminal cartel of international scope and operation. Even more troubling, according to the statement, are allegations of collusion involving state actors, security personnel, and individuals close to the corridors of power.
Drug Trafficking a National Security Threat
LIROI stated that drug trafficking represents a direct threat to Liberia’s national security and undermines the integrity of governance institutions. The organization warned that around the world, drug trafficking has destabilized nations, corrupted public institutions, fueled violence, destroyed communities, and crippled economic progress. “Liberia must not fall prey to this menace,” the statement declared.
The organization further warned that Liberia cannot afford the risk of being branded a narcotics-trafficking state and called on the government to act decisively to remove any such misperception and institute strong deterrence against future traffickers.
LIROI recognized that criminal cartels of this magnitude possess enormous resources, networks, and influence to undermine investigations, and announced that it has begun actively engaging with local and international partners, political institutions, civil society, and diplomatic channels to ensure the matter receives the urgency it deserves. The organization also disclosed it is working to ensure that technical expertise and international best practices are made available to government investigators to guarantee impartiality and credibility.
LIROI’s Founding Mission and Commitments
Founded in July 2021 as a mass-based citizens’ movement open to all Liberians — including professionals, diplomats, academics, students, workers, religious leaders, and civil society actors both at home and in the diaspora — LIROI was established on shared values and aspirations to usher in a new era in Liberia.
The organization is committed to promoting good governance and the rule of law, advocating for justice and accountability, fighting impunity and corruption, promoting peace and national unity based on equal opportunity, and advocating for economic growth to reduce poverty. LIROI also supports candidates for elected office who share these principles and commitments.
As Liberia braces itself for sustained socio-economic development and good governance, the organization said the country must prepare for a new era of inclusiveness, unity, equal opportunity, and prosperity for all.