The President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, has dismissed 12 government and law enforcement officials over their alleged links to ongoing investigations into two record cocaine trafficking cases.
The development was contained in a statement released by Boakai, announcing that their dismissal takes immediate effect after a review of the latest progress report on the high-profile narcotics cases.
The President said the action was aimed at reinforcing accountability within public institutions, stressing that no individual found to have aided or facilitated drug trafficking would be shielded from the law.
The dismissals followed the seizure of nearly four tonnes of cocaine worth about $317 million and another 238 kilograms valued at approximately $19 million, prompting a sweeping government crackdown on suspected security lapses and possible official complicity in the country’s anti-narcotics operations.
Among those dismissed were the deputy director for operations at Roberts International Airport, the police commissioner for criminal investigation, intelligence and Interpol, and the deputy director for administration at the National Security Agency (NSA).
Boakai also ordered the dismissal of all government employees and law enforcement officers already indicted in connection with the two major cocaine seizures. They include the airport’s director of security and the deputy commander of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency stationed at the airport.
In addition, four employees from the NSA and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection were relieved of their duties, with their cases referred to the Ministry of Justice for possible prosecution.
The latest action follows Boakai’s directive for a coordinated investigation after authorities intercepted approximately 238 kilograms of cocaine, valued at about $19 million, at Roberts International Airport in June. The drugs had reportedly been concealed in commercial cargo disguised as ordinary goods, including Maggi seasoning cubes.
Earlier this month, Liberian authorities recorded the country’s largest drug seizure on record after intercepting nearly four tonnes of cocaine valued at $317 million during an operation along the road leading to Roberts International Airport, about 30 kilometres from the capital, Monrovia.
The twin seizures have intensified public concern over the scale of narcotics trafficking through Liberia and the possible involvement of public officials. West Africa has increasingly become a major transit route for cocaine produced in Latin America and destined for consumer markets in Europe, making the region a key focus of international anti-drug enforcement efforts.
Boakai said the ongoing investigation is intended to ensure that every person found responsible for facilitating or enabling the trafficking operations is held fully accountable under Liberian law.