“Cummings Demands International Probe into $19.2 Million Cocaine Bust, Says Public Has Lost Confidence in Government Investigation”
Monrovia, Liberia – July 13, 2026 – Alternative National Congress (ANC) Political Leader Alexander B. Cummings has called for an independent international investigation into the June 8 seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), alleging that the Unity Party-led government has failed to conduct a transparent and credible inquiry into one of Liberia’s largest drug trafficking cases.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia, Cummings described the government’s handling of the investigation as “secretive, slow, and seemingly compromised,” warning that the case poses a serious threat to Liberia’s national security, democratic institutions, and international reputation.
“It has been over a month since the interception of 198 compressed plates of high-grade cocaine at Roberts International Airport. The government promised the Liberian people a swift, transparent, uncompromising, and independent investigation. Yet what we have seen is quite the opposite,” Cummings declared.
The ANC leader accused the government of failing to provide answers to key questions surrounding the drug seizure, including how the narcotics entered Liberia, where they originated, and who facilitated their movement through the country.
According to Cummings, the public remains unconvinced that authorities are pursuing the individuals responsible for orchestrating the trafficking operation.
“The charges announced so far have focused primarily on low-level handlers, while Liberians continue to ask how such a large quantity of cocaine could move through the country without the knowledge or involvement of powerful individuals,” he said.
Cummings also expressed concern over reports that Michael Brown, commonly known as “US Marshall,” a figure reportedly linked to the case and previously convicted of drug trafficking, had allegedly disappeared after being released from prison.
He questioned how suspects connected to such a high-profile investigation could evade authorities, suggesting that the development raises concerns about possible collusion involving state security personnel and influential figures.
“This is unacceptable,” he asserted.
The ANC political leader warned that drug trafficking extends beyond criminal activity and represents a direct threat to Liberia’s national security, economic stability, and the well-being of its youth.
He cited reports from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) indicating the existence of more than 866 ghettos in and around Monrovia, which serve as centers for drug abuse and criminal activity.
“Drug abuse is destroying our youth and communities. Families across Liberia are suffering, and the crisis has spread beyond Monrovia into rural communities,” Cummings stated.
He argued that the growing drug epidemic is undermining Liberia’s development efforts and could discourage foreign investment at a time when the country needs economic growth and job creation.
In one of the strongest parts of his address, Cummings announced plans to engage members of the international community to investigate, preserve, and audit the process surrounding the June 8 drug seizure.
He said Liberia’s government has demonstrated neither the political will nor the institutional capacity necessary to conduct a fully independent investigation.
“I will be leading the charge to encourage my friends in the international community to investigate, preserve, and audit the process surrounding the June 8, 2026, drug bust,” he said.
Cummings further called on regional organizations, including the Mano River Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to activate early warning mechanisms and assist in ensuring that all individuals connected to the trafficking operation are brought to justice.
He warned that the scale of the operation suggests the involvement of sophisticated transnational criminal networks capable of laundering illicit proceeds through regional businesses, trade, real estate, and construction sectors.
The ANC standard-bearer commended the Liberian Senate, civil society organizations, media institutions, and concerned citizens for demanding a transparent and independent investigation.
He stressed that democracy is strengthened when governments are willing to confront wrongdoing and uphold the rule of law regardless of political considerations.
“We must mobilize ourselves lawfully and within the confines of our Constitution to demand that our government do the right thing,” Cummings said.
Concluding his remarks, Cummings accused the government of failing to adequately address Liberia’s worsening drug crisis despite President Joseph Boakai’s earlier declaration that drug abuse constituted a national emergency.
He argued that government has a responsibility to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard future generations from the devastating impact of narcotics.
“If our government places the interests of a small number of greedy and heartless individuals above the hopes of struggling mothers and fathers whose children are being destroyed by drugs, then it will have failed one of its most sacred responsibilities,” he said.
Calling for honesty, courage, and determination in confronting the crisis, Cummings urged Liberians to unite in demanding accountability and stronger institutions.
“Liberia deserves better. Together, we can fix Liberia,” he concluded.
