NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has announced one of the country’s largest cocaine seizures in recent years, intercepting 198 compressed plates of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than US$19.2 million during an operation at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The massive drug haul, valued at approximately US$19,226,000 (about LRD 3.65 billion), was discovered on June 8, 2026, concealed inside six cargo boxes that were reportedly being prepared for export through Brussels Airlines.
Speaking during a press briefing on June 9, LDEA Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitzgerald T.M. Biago, described the operation as a major breakthrough in Liberia’s ongoing fight against transnational drug trafficking and organized crime.
According to DCP Biago, the seizure resulted from credible intelligence and the vigilance of Joint Security officers assigned to Roberts International Airport, who conducted a targeted operation that led to the discovery of the concealed narcotics.
“The shipment, with an estimated street value of US$19,226,000.00 million, was destined for export via Brussels Airlines,” Biago disclosed.
The interception of 198 compressed plates of cocaine represents one of the largest narcotics seizures recorded by Liberian authorities in recent times and highlights growing concerns about the use of West African countries as transit routes for international drug trafficking networks.
Security experts note that cocaine trafficking remains one of the most lucrative criminal enterprises globally, with traffickers often exploiting air and maritime transportation systems to move large quantities of narcotics across continents. The value of the seized cocaine underscores the sophistication and financial scale of the criminal operation behind the shipment.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact weight of the drugs or the intended final destination beyond the planned export route. However, investigators believe the seizure has disrupted a significant trafficking network operating through Liberia.
The LDEA confirmed that investigations are progressing and that several persons of interest have already been identified.
Law enforcement authorities are working to determine the origin of the cocaine, the individuals responsible for packaging and transporting the shipment, and any local or international connections linked to the trafficking operation.
“Persons of interest have been identified. The LDEA remains fully committed to ensuring that every individual connected to this criminal network is identified, investigated, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Biago stated.
The successful operation reflects increased cooperation among Liberia’s security agencies, airport authorities, and international partners. It also comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen border security, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve the country’s capacity to combat drug-related crimes.
The seizure is expected to deal a significant financial blow to the trafficking network involved, potentially denying criminals access to more than US$19 million in illicit proceeds.
DCP Biago emphasized that the operation sends a strong signal to international criminal organizations seeking to use Liberia as a transit corridor for narcotics.
“This operation sends an unequivocal message: Liberia is not a transit point, marketplace, or haven for drug traffickers,” he declared. “The LDEA will continue to relentlessly pursue criminal networks, secure our borders, and protect our citizens from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.”
He commended the efforts of LDEA officers, Joint Security personnel, airport authorities, and other stakeholders whose collaboration made the operation successful.
As investigations continue, authorities say additional arrests and prosecutions may follow, while the LDEA remains focused on dismantling the broader criminal network behind what is being described as a landmark cocaine seizure in Liberia’s fight against international drug trafficking.
