MONROVIA – Two Liberian senators have welcomed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to declare illicit drugs and substance abuse a national security emergency, describing the move as a necessary response to a crisis threatening the country’s future. While commending the Executive’s action, the lawmakers insist that the declaration must be matched by transparent investigations, stronger institutions, and swift prosecutions following the recent US$19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport. They also called for reforms within the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and increased investment in law enforcement capacity to confront trafficking networks and substance abuse nationwide. THE ANALYST reports.
Senators Welcome Emergency Declaration
Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr. of Bomi County and Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu County have welcomed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to designate illicit drugs and substance abuse as a national security threat and national emergency, describing the action as a bold response to Liberia’s worsening narcotics crisis.
In a joint statement issued Thursday following the President’s announcement at a Cabinet meeting, the lawmakers said the declaration reflects the gravity of the drug epidemic and represents an important step toward protecting communities and safeguarding Liberia’s young population from the growing threat of narcotics.
The senators said the President’s declaration comes at a critical moment following the recent seizure of cocaine valued at US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
According to the lawmakers, the Liberian Senate’s public hearings into the drug seizure have exposed serious weaknesses in Liberia’s national security architecture, border management, and intelligence systems.
Call For Independent Investigation
Snowe and Konneh called for an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the cocaine seizure, arguing that public confidence requires a full accounting of those responsible.
“The people of Liberia have the right to know the truth,” the senators stated, adding that official silence and inaction would undermine institutional credibility and damage the country’s international reputation.
While applauding the Executive’s declaration, they stressed that recognizing the crisis as a national emergency must be accompanied by concrete action.
They said this should begin with the prompt conclusion of the ongoing investigation into the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure and the prosecution of every individual found responsible under Liberian law.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over what they described as leadership challenges and systemic weaknesses within the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), calling for transparent, merit-based appointments and institutional reforms.
Strengthening National Response
The senators further emphasized the need to adequately fund Liberia’s security and law enforcement institutions while equipping them with modern technologies to detect, prevent, and disrupt illicit drug trafficking throughout the country.
They reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Executive Branch, fellow legislators, and Liberia’s international partners to support policies aimed at addressing every dimension of the country’s drug crisis.
Snowe and Konneh also thanked President Pro Tempore and members of the Liberian Senate for what they described as bipartisan cooperation in exercising legislative oversight over the matter.
They pledged continued support for efforts to hold accountable all financiers, facilitators, and accomplices involved in transnational drug trafficking networks.
The senators concluded by urging families, educators, religious institutions, youth organizations, civil society groups, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support the government’s strategy, emphasizing that stronger law enforcement must be complemented by rehabilitation programs for victims of substance abuse.
They said a united national response would be essential to building a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Liberia for future generations.