06/16/2026
STATEMENT TO THE NATION BY
HIS EXCELLENCY JOSEPH NYUMA BOAKAI, SR.
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Fellow Liberians,
I address you today regarding the recent seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of co***ne at Roberts International Airport, with an estimated street value exceeding nineteen million United States dollars.
This seizure is one of the largest narcotics interdictions in our nation’s history. It is a stark reminder that transnational criminal enterprises continue to view West Africa as a transit corridor for dangerous drugs and illicit proceeds.
Let me be loud and clear here. Though I maintain that Liberia is open for business, Liberia is not open for the business of drug trafficking.
Liberia will not be used as a safe haven, transit point, warehouse, financial center, or operational base by criminal networks engaged in narcotics trafficking.
Any individual, group, or network that seeks to exploit our territory, corrupt our institutions, endanger our youth, or undermine our national security will be identified, pursued, and brought to justice.
In view of the seriousness of this incident, I directed that the investigation be conducted by the National Joint Security under the authority of the National Security Council.
The investigation is being coordinated by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and the Liberia National Police, with support from the National Security Agency, the Executive Protection Service, the Financial Intelligence Agency, the Liberia Immigration Service, Customs Authorities, Airport Security, the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant security institutions.
This investigation will proceed on two fronts. First, every individual directly connected to this shipment will be identified, arrested, investigated, where evidence warrants, and prosecuted consistent with the law.
Second, and equally important, we will identify and dismantle the entire criminal enterprise behind this operation. We are not interested only in intercepting drugs or arresting couriers.
We are determined to expose and destroy the networks that finance, coordinate, facilitate, and profit from this criminal activity.
Whether they operate within Liberia or beyond our borders, whether they are private citizens, public officials, financiers, facilitators, or foreign actors, they will face the full force of the law.
I have further directed that Liberia strengthen its cooperation with our international partners. Accordingly, the Government is actively engaging with international law enforcement and security agencies to support this investigation through intelligence sharing, financial tracking, forensic analysis, and coordinated cross-border investigations. I have full confidence in the ability of our national security apparatus to deal with this issue. No one should doubt or underestimate their love and commitment.
To this end, a high-level delegation has already been dispatched to engage with key international partners and strengthen operational collaboration to identify, disrupt, and dismantle all persons, organizations, and networks connected to this criminal enterprise.
This investigation will follow the evidence wherever it leads:
No person will be untouchable
No institution will be shielded from scrutiny
No criminal network will escape justice.
We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that every individual found responsible is fully accountable under the law.
At the same time, I call on all Liberians to remain calm, responsible, and patient while investigators carry out their work.
I understand the public demand for information and accountability. The Liberian people have every right to expect transparency from their government. However, successful investigations require discipline, professionalism, and the protection of operational information. Premature disclosures can compromise investigations, alert suspects, destroy evidence, hinder prosecutions, and, most importantly, endanger the lives of individuals who are cooperating with and supporting the investigation.
I therefore assure the nation that this investigation will be conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, transparency, and accountability. Information will be shared with the public at appropriate stages of the investigation, consistent with the law and the need to protect ongoing operations.
My Administration remains fully committed to protecting our citizens, securing our borders, preserving the integrity of our institutions, and defending Liberia's reputation in the international community.
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.
We will confront this threat with determination, professionalism, and resolve. Those who seek to profit from the suffering of our people or undermine
