Civil Society Network Condemns Alleged Smear Campaign Against LACE Boss Julius Sele Over Reported US$300 Million Drug Seizure
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Civil Society Network of Liberia (CSNL) has strongly condemned what it describes as attempts to link the Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), Julius Sele, to the country’s reported US$300 million drug seizure, insisting there is no credible evidence to support such allegations.
In a statement issued Thursday, the organization accused some individuals and media platforms of engaging in what it called a “calculated smear campaign” aimed at damaging Sele’s reputation through unsubstantiated claims.
The CSNL specifically criticized journalist Rodney Sieh and broadcaster Stanton Witherspoon of Spoon Network for allegedly suggesting that Sele is connected to the reported drug case without presenting any evidence to support the allegation.
According to the organization, no official investigation or public report from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Liberia National Police (LNP), or the Joint Security has identified or implicated the LACE Executive Director in the reported seizure.
“The dangerous trend of trying individuals on social media through sensational and unverified allegations undermines public confidence and distracts from the country’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking,” the statement said.
The civil society group urged journalists, bloggers, and social media commentators to uphold professional standards by ensuring that allegations of criminal conduct are supported by verifiable evidence before being published.
CSNL maintained that anyone in possession of credible information linking any individual—including Sele—to drug trafficking should present such evidence to law enforcement authorities for investigation rather than using media platforms to make unsupported accusations.
The organization further argued that a public official appearing in photographs with, or having a personal acquaintance with, individuals who later become subjects of criminal investigations does not automatically establish criminal involvement.
According to CSNL, attempts to associate Sele with the reported drug seizure without evidence risk diverting public attention from the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment’s ongoing national development programs and could undermine the institution’s work across the country.
At the same time, the organization called on the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and the Joint Security to conduct a professional, transparent, and timely investigation into the reported US$300 million drug seizure.
It urged authorities to publicly disclose verified findings as soon as possible to curb speculation and misinformation surrounding the case.
CSNL emphasized that while it remains committed to supporting accountability and would condemn any public official found guilty of involvement in drug trafficking or other criminal activities, it equally opposes attempts to associate individuals with serious crimes in the absence of due process and credible evidence.
The organization concluded by calling on the public to disregard what it described as unfounded allegations against Julius Sele and allow the ongoing investigation to proceed in accordance with the rule of law.
