Monrovia– President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has broken his silence on the massive US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), declaring that Liberia will not become a haven for international drug traffickers and warning that anyone linked to the operation—regardless of status or position—will face justice.
In a nationwide address broadcast Monday evening on the state-owned Liberia Broadcasting System (ELBC), President Boakai described the interception of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine as one of the largest narcotics seizures in Liberia’s history and a serious threat to national security.
The President said the bust underscores the continued efforts of transnational criminal networks to use West Africa as a corridor for trafficking illegal drugs and laundering illicit proceeds.
“Though I maintain that Liberia is open for business, Liberia is not open for the business of drug trafficking,” President Boakai declared. “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 address comes amid growing public concern and demands for transparency following the seizure, which has triggered intense public debate and calls for the government to disclose the identities of those connected to the shipment.
President Boakai revealed that he has ordered the investigation to be conducted under the authority of the National Security Council through the National Joint Security architecture. The probe is being coordinated by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP), with support from several security and law enforcement institutions, including the National Security Agency (NSA), Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Liberia Immigration Service, Customs authorities, airport security, and the Ministry of Justice.
According to the President, investigators have been instructed to pursue the case on two fronts: identifying and prosecuting those directly involved in the shipment and dismantling the broader criminal enterprise behind the operation.
“We are not interested only in intercepting drugs or arresting couriers,” Boakai said. “We are determined to expose and destroy the networks that finance, coordinate, facilitate, and profit from this criminal activity.”
The President stressed that no individual or institution would be protected from scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
“This investigation will follow the evidence wherever it leads,” he said. “No person will be untouchable. No institution will be shielded from scrutiny. No criminal network will escape justice.”
Boakai further disclosed that Liberia has intensified cooperation with international law enforcement agencies and security partners to support the investigation through intelligence sharing, forensic analysis, financial tracking, and coordinated cross-border operations.
He announced that a high-level government delegation has already been dispatched abroad to engage international partners and strengthen efforts aimed at identifying and dismantling all individuals and organizations connected to the trafficking operation.
While acknowledging growing public pressure for information, the President urged Liberians to remain patient and allow investigators to complete their work without interference.
“The Liberian people have every right to expect transparency from their government,” he said. “However, successful investigations require discipline, professionalism, and the protection of operational information.”
He warned that premature disclosure of sensitive details could compromise ongoing investigations, alert suspects, destroy evidence, and endanger individuals cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
Boakai assured the public that information would be released at appropriate stages of the investigation while maintaining the integrity of the process.
The President said his administration remains committed to securing Liberia’s borders, protecting citizens, preserving the integrity of state institutions, and safeguarding the country’s international reputation.
Describing drug trafficking as a threat that extends beyond law enforcement, Boakai framed the issue as a battle for Liberia’s future.
“The fight against drug trafficking is beyond a law enforcement challenge; it is a fight for the future of our young people, the security of our communities, the credibility of our institutions, and the prosperity of our nation,” he said.
The President concluded by pledging that those seeking to profit from the suffering of Liberians or undermine national security would find “no refuge in Liberia,” expressing confidence that the country would ultimately prevail through unity and determination.
The address marks President Boakai’s first public statement since authorities announced the seizure of the cocaine shipment, a case that has rapidly become one of the most high-profile criminal investigations in recent Liberian history.
