MONROVIA – The STAND-led Liberia Protest Coalition has criticized the Ministry of Justice’s Friday press conference on the investigation into the seizure of approximately US$19 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
In a statement issued Friday, the coalition accused authorities of failing to identify the alleged masterminds behind the shipment and questioned whether the investigation is reaching individuals who may have financed, facilitated, or protected the attempted trafficking operation.
The coalition’s reaction follows a Ministry of Justice briefing intended to provide an update on the ongoing investigation into the massive cocaine seizure. During the press conference, Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh disclosed that investigators had identified several persons of interest connected to the case and that security agencies were actively pursuing additional leads.
He emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and assured the public that authorities would continue gathering evidence against all individuals believed to have played a role in the trafficking attempt, regardless of their status or position.
Despite those assurances, STAND argued that the government’s presentation failed to answer critical questions that continue to dominate public discourse.
“The Liberian people were expecting a comprehensive explanation that would expose the full network behind this criminal enterprise,” the coalition said. “Instead, what was presented raised even more concerns about whether the investigation is targeting all those who may have been involved.”
The group noted that President Joseph Boakai had earlier promised that there would be “no hiding place” for individuals connected to the drug shipment. According to the coalition, the Ministry’s latest briefing has created uncertainty over whether that commitment is being fully honoured.
STAND Chairman Mulbah Morlu said the government’s handling of the matter risks undermining public confidence in national institutions and the rule of law.
“The Ministry of Justice had an opportunity to strengthen public trust by demonstrating that no individual is beyond scrutiny in this investigation. Unfortunately, the presentation left many Liberians with the impression that the most important questions remain unanswered and that the search for accountability may not be reaching every level where responsibility exists,” Morlu said.
He further argued that narcotics trafficking represents a broader threat to Liberia’s stability and democratic institutions.
“Drug trafficking is not simply about the illegal movement of narcotics. It is a gateway through which corruption flourishes, criminal networks expand, and public institutions become vulnerable to compromise. The Liberian people deserve confidence that every person connected to this operation will be investigated without fear, favor, or political calculation,” Morlu added.
Morlu expressed concern that public attention appeared to be focused primarily on lower-ranking individuals while little information has been provided regarding possible involvement by more influential actors.
According to Morlu, any perception that powerful figures are being shielded from scrutiny could damage public confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.
Morlu also warned that the country’s geographic position within a region increasingly affected by transnational criminal networks makes the fight against drug trafficking a national security priority. The coalition stressed that narcotics proceeds have historically fuelled organized crime, corruption, and institutional instability in several countries.
As a result, Morlu announced that the issue of drug trafficking will now become a major component of its planned July 17 “Lead or Leave” protest, expanding the demonstration’s demands to include a call for stronger action against narcotics trafficking and greater transparency in criminal investigations.
Morlu reiterated its demand for the public disclosure of relevant findings consistent with due process and called on authorities to ensure that accountability applies equally to all individuals implicated by evidence.
