MONROVIA – The opposition Liberian People’s Party has commended the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency for what it describes as a “significant victory” in the fight against narcotics following the interception of a large cocaine shipment at Roberts International Airport. The party noted that the interception underscores both the growing sophistication of drug trafficking operations in the subregion and the increasing pressure on Liberia’s border and airport security systems to remain vigilant at all times.
The seizure, which reportedly involves approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding US$19 million, has been described by the party as a major breakthrough in Liberia’s ongoing battle against international drug trafficking. Security analysts have often warned that West Africa has become a strategic corridor for narcotics destined for Europe and North America, making interceptions of this magnitude both rare and highly significant.
In a statement issued in Monrovia and signed by its National Chairman, Comrade J. Yanqui Zaza, the LPP praised the professionalism and vigilance of anti-drug officers whose actions prevented the consignment from entering international markets. The party further described the operation as a reminder of the critical importance of investing in modern surveillance technology, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency coordination to keep pace with increasingly complex trafficking networks.
However, the party warned that the scale and sophistication of the shipment raise serious national security concerns, suggesting the possible involvement of a broader transnational criminal network. It stressed that such a large consignment could not have moved through international systems without planning, coordination, and potentially insider assistance at multiple levels.
“A criminal operation of nearly twenty million dollars cannot be the work of isolated individuals,” the statement noted, adding that Liberians deserve full transparency on who financed, coordinated, and facilitated the movement of the drugs.
The LPP posed a series of questions demanding answers from investigators, including whether the operation involved local collaborators and whether Liberia is increasingly being used as a transit hub for international drug cartels. It further warned that silence or delays in public communication could fuel speculation and erode public confidence in ongoing investigations.
The opposition party further cautioned that drug trafficking poses a severe threat to national development, warning that it fuels corruption, undermines institutions, and exposes young people to addiction and criminality. It added that the social consequences are already visible in many communities where drug abuse is becoming an increasing public concern, particularly among unemployed youth.
“Drug trafficking destroys lives and weakens national security. It also threatens Liberia’s international image and discourages investment and confidence in our country,” the statement emphasized. The party further warned that reputational damage of this nature could take years to repair if not aggressively addressed through credible enforcement and accountability.
While commending the interception, the LPP urged the Government of Liberia to ensure a comprehensive, transparent, and politically independent investigation. It called for all individuals involved—regardless of status, affiliation, or influence—to be fully prosecuted under the law. The party stressed that selective justice would only embolden criminal networks and weaken public trust in state institutions.
Reaffirming its stance, the party stressed that the fight against drugs must remain a national, non-partisan priority and urged authorities to provide regular public updates as investigations progress. It further called for stronger regional cooperation, noting that no single country can effectively combat transnational narcotics networks alone.
“Government is a place to serve, not to steal,” the statement concluded, underscoring the party’s call for accountability and national integrity.A Better Liberia Is Possible”, the statement concluded.