Update Public On The Biggest Cocaine Seizure: It’s Worth US$317M
PHOTO: Justice Min Cllr. Oswald Tweh addressing the press on the biggest cocaine seizure
By Our Staff Writer
The Liberian government through the country’s Joint Security has given update on Tuesday’s drug raid on a residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, putting the total street value of the cocaine put at about US$317,680,000, making it the biggest ever narcotic drug bust in this post-war West African county.
Two foreign nationals, one a Columbia, were arrested in the raid on the Duazon community.
In a press statement in Monrovia today, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Justice Minister, Cllr. Oswald Tweh said:
“During operation, investigators recovered approximately 3,971 kilograms of processed plates of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of approximately US$317,680,000. The substances were seized and secured as evidence for further investigation and appropriate scientific examination.”
The latest cocaine bust comes as authorities struggle to get to the bottom of the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure in a warehouse at Liberia’s only international airport, RIA earlier in June this year.
BELOW IS FULL TEXT OF THE JUSTICE MINISTERS STATEMENT:
𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐘 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐈𝐙𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐙𝐎𝐍, 𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐖𝐀𝐘, 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐁𝐈 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Fellow Liberians, good evening.
The Joint National Security Investigative Task Force take this opportunity to inform the public of a major development in the ongoing investigation into suspected transnational narcotics trafficking activities in Liberia.
On Monday, July 20, 2026, the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, acting on information developed during the ongoing investigation, arrested and detained several persons of interest for questioning in furtherance of the investigation.
Information obtained through continued investigative and intelligence efforts subsequently led authorities to a location in the VOA Community along the Roberts International Airport Highway in Duazon, Margibi County.
On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a team comprising members of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force conducted a search of the identified premises pursuant to a duly authorized search-and-seizure warrant.
During the operation, investigators recovered approximately 3,971 kilograms of processed plates of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of approximately US$317,680,000. The substances were seized and secured as evidence for further investigation and appropriate scientific examination.
Two foreign nationals, identified as a Serbian national and the other with dual nationality (Colombian and Spanish), were taken into custody in connection with the seizure and are assisting investigators with the ongoing investigation. Their names are being withheld at this stage to protect the integrity of the investigation and ongoing investigative activities.
In addition to the suspected narcotics, investigators recovered several items considered relevant to the investigation, including diving suits, a firearm, GPS tracking devices, a drone, Starlink satellite internet equipment, and other materials. These items have been secured and are being examined to determine their purpose and potential connection to the suspected narcotics trafficking operation.
The investigation remains active and is examining the origin, ownership, transportation method, and intended destination of the seized substances, as well as the identities and roles of all persons who may be connected to the operation. Investigators are also examining possible domestic and international networks, logistical arrangements, financial transactions, and any other forms of facilitation associated with the suspected shipment.
The investigation has generated significant evidentiary leads and have indeed revealed an organized, sophisticated, complex and well-funded narcotics trafficking network. It has also revealed that this network may have been operating in Liberia for a considerate period – more than six (6) years.
Given the quantity involved and the circumstances surrounding the seizure, the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force is pursuing all available investigative leads to determine the full scope of this illicit narcotic operation. Cooperation with relevant national and international law-enforcement partners will be pursued where necessary to identify additional persons, networks or jurisdictions connected to the investigation. We thank them for their continuous collaboration and support.
As the premises in Duazon was used in the commission of offenses under the Amended Controlled Drug and Substance Act of 2023, it will be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the Government of Liberia, as provided for under said Act. The vehicle which was used to transport the drugs will also be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the Government of Liberia, as provided for under said Act.
The Joint National Security Investigative Task Force has also been instructed to take similar actions against the residence of Mr. Paul King, located at V.P. Road, where the drugs seized on June 8, 2026, were stored, picked up from and transported to RIA.
We want to caution the public against speculation regarding the identities or culpability of individuals who have not been formally charged. Persons currently being questioned or investigated are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in accordance with law. Their arrest and detention as persons of interest does not constitute a finding of criminal responsibility. Information will be released only when it can be verified and when disclosure will not compromise ongoing investigative activities or future prosecution.
The Government of Liberia remains resolute in its determination to prevent Liberia from being used as a transit corridor, storage location or operational base for illicit narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime. Any individual, regardless of nationality, position or status, against whom credible and admissible evidence is established will be held accountable in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Liberia.
We assure the public that no individual, regardless of status, influence or affiliation will be shielded from accountability where the evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
The Joint National Security Investigative Team assures the public that the seized substances and other pieces of evidence are being maintained under established evidence-management and chain-of-custody procedures. Further information regarding laboratory findings, formal charges and additional arrests will be released as the investigation progresses and when legally appropriate.
As investigations continue, we call upon all Liberians to allow the justice system to perform its constitutional mandate without interference, speculation, or prejudice. The public is encouraged to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information, and cooperate with law-enforcement authorities.
This matter should be of concern to every citizen because narcotics trafficking is a serious threat to society and national security. It corrodes institutions, corrupts public systems and destroys our youth. Therefore, each citizen should start to look around his/her community and workplace and conducting life style audits of their relatives, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, etc., and questioning the source of their wealth, that is enabling them to live above their incomes.
Anyone with credible information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to provide such information through the appropriate security authorities. Measures are in place to ensure that witnesses can provide information without fear of intimidation, retaliation, or interference and the public informed accordingly.
In closing the Ministry of Justice remains unwavering in its constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law without fear, favor or pressure. Justice is not measured by the speed of the investigation, but by rigor of lawful investigations, the quality of admissible evidence and the integrity of prosecutions that can withstand judicial scrutiny.
The Joint National Security Investigative Team will provide further updates as material and verified developments become available.