CSNL Demands Full Disclosure in US$19.2 Million Cocaine Bust
By: Myean D Torgbean
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Civil Society Network of Liberia (CSNL) has called on the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to publicly disclose the identities of all individuals connected to the recent seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million at the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 13, CSNL expressed concern over what it described as the LDEA’s failure to reveal the names of suspects, persons of interest, consignees, importers, or other individuals linked to the June 8 drug interception.
The organization said the seizure of such a significant quantity of cocaine raises serious concerns about Liberia’s growing vulnerability to international drug trafficking networks and the possibility that the country is becoming a major transit point for illicit narcotics.
“The seizure of such huge quantities of narcotic drugs being transported from Liberia is seriously alarming and troubling,” the statement noted. “This shows how Liberia is fast becoming a hub for narcotic drugs.”
CSNL argued that the public deserves transparency regarding the investigation, particularly given the LDEA’s history of publicly identifying individuals arrested in drug-related cases. The group questioned why authorities have remained silent about those allegedly connected to the latest bust.
“It is sinister for the LDEA, which has always publicly identified individuals arrested with illicit drugs, to be concealing the identities of those connected to the US$19 million drug case,” the organization stated.
The civil society group warned that withholding information could undermine public confidence in the country’s anti-drug efforts and called on the agency to immediately release the identities of all persons linked to the case, regardless of their social, political, or economic status.
CSNL further stressed that the increasing number and scale of drug seizures under the current administration demand stronger and more effective measures to combat narcotics trafficking.
According to the organization, allowing Liberia to serve as a transit route for illicit drugs poses a significant threat to national security, damages the country’s international reputation, and exposes citizens particularly young people to the harmful effects of drug abuse and trafficking.
The group urged the Government of Liberia to intensify its anti-drug campaign and make the fight against narcotics a national priority.
“The fight against illicit drugs was one of the key promises that brought the Unity Party government to power,” CSNL said, urging authorities to demonstrate greater commitment through transparency, accountability, and stronger enforcement measures.
The statement was signed by CSNL Secretary-General Francis Collins and approved by Executive Director Sensee Kiadii.
The LDEA has yet to publicly respond to the organization’s demands.
