By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIA – The Liberian government through its security infrastructures seems to be in one accord, speaking with one tune and voice when it comes to reasons behind withholding names of individuals linked to the $19.2 million RIA cocaine bust.
Few days after the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) stated reasons the investigations are done in secret, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Cllr. Oswald Tweh weighed in on the issue, also defending the government’s decision to withhold key details surrounding the ongoing investigation into the reported US$19.2 million cocaine seizure.
The minister said premature disclosure could jeopardize the integrity of the case.
Appearing before lawmakers, Cllr. Tweh explained that investigators are actively pursuing leads and gathering evidence, making it necessary to limit the release of certain information to the public at this stage of the investigation.
“Disclosing information about the US$19.2 million drug seizure at this time could undermine the ongoing investigation. As investigators continue their work, we are withholding details from the public to protect the integrity of the process,” the Justice Minister told lawmakers.
According to Tweh, the government’s position is also influenced by Liberia’s cooperation with international partners and allies in combating transnational drug trafficking. He noted that some of the intelligence connected to the case was obtained through collaborative efforts with foreign counterparts and must be protected to preserve trust and future cooperation.
The Attorney General stressed that Liberia’s capacity to investigate complex international drug trafficking operations often depends on support from international partners. As such, he argued that the disclosure of sensitive information could discourage future intelligence-sharing and negatively affect ongoing and future investigations.
He further indicated that the government intends to maintain strict confidentiality regarding certain aspects of the case, emphasizing that safeguarding investigative information remains a priority.
“Exposing such information would set a bad precedent and could undermine future intelligence-sharing efforts,” Tweh stated, adding that authorities will continue to act in accordance with established investigative procedures.
The Minister’s remarks come amid increasing calls from lawmakers, civil society organizations, and members of the public for greater transparency regarding the high-profile drug seizure. Critics have questioned the government’s refusal to disclose the identities of individuals allegedly connected to the shipment and other details surrounding the investigation.
However, government officials maintain that protecting the investigation and ensuring successful prosecution of those responsible must take precedence over immediate public disclosure.
The reported US$19.2 million cocaine seizure has become one of Liberia’s most significant narcotics cases in recent years, attracting widespread public attention and sparking debate over transparency, accountability, and the government’s approach to combating drug trafficking.
As the investigation continues, authorities insist that all necessary measures are being taken to identify those responsible while preserving the integrity of the investigative process and Liberia’s partnerships with international law enforcement agencies.
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