MONROVIA – The Witness Protection Agency (WPA) has strongly condemned the public disclosure of the identities of whistleblowers and witnesses connected to the investigation of a major cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
According to the WPA, some media institutions, online platforms, bloggers, and private individuals have been sharing information that reveals the identities of people who assisted investigators in the case involving approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at about US$19.2 million.
The cocaine was discovered on June 8, 2026, during a joint security operation involving the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), other security agencies, and international partners. Investigators intentionally kept the identities of cooperating individuals secret to protect them and to help authorities gather more evidence, make additional arrests, and dismantle a larger international drug trafficking network.
The WPA described the disclosure of these identities as unlawful and dangerous. The agency said such actions violate Liberia’s Whistleblower Protection Act of 2021, which requires people who receive protected information to keep it confidential. Under the law, individuals who unlawfully reveal protected information could face serious criminal penalties, including imprisonment.
The agency warned that exposing witnesses and whistleblowers can put their lives at risk. It can also damage investigations by discouraging others from coming forward with important information. When witnesses fear retaliation, threats, or intimidation, they may refuse to cooperate with law enforcement, making it more difficult to bring criminals to justice.
As a result, the WPA has called on the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice to investigate and prosecute anyone responsible for revealing the identities of protected individuals in the case.
The agency emphasized that witness protection is not only required under Liberian law but is also supported by international agreements that encourage governments to protect people who help expose crime and corruption.
The WPA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting witnesses and whistleblowers from threats, intimidation, and retaliation, both within Liberia and across national borders.
Witness protection is a vital part of any justice system. Many criminal cases depend on people who are willing to provide information about crimes. However, these individuals may face threats from criminals who want to avoid arrest or prosecution.
Witness protection programs help keep these people safe by protecting their identities, providing security, and, in some cases, relocating them to safer places. Without these protections, many witnesses would be too afraid to speak out.
Protecting witnesses also helps law enforcement agencies solve crimes, dismantle criminal networks, and hold offenders accountable. When people trust that the government can protect them, they are more likely to report wrongdoing and cooperate with investigations.
In the RIA cocaine case, protecting the identities of cooperating individuals is especially important because investigators are still working to identify and arrest other people who may be connected to the drug trafficking operation. Publicly exposing witnesses could jeopardize the investigation and make it harder for authorities to achieve justice.
The WPA’s statement serves as a reminder that protecting witnesses is not just about safeguarding individuals—it is also about protecting the integrity of investigations and strengthening the rule of law in Liberia.
