By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIA – Still doing everything to whisk off public pressure regarding the status of the RIA cocaine bust, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah has provided another piece of reason for the government’s reticence on the issue, emphasizing they are prioritizing evidence-based investigation over political pressure.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, Minister Piah said security agencies, including the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), are actively working with international partners to ensure a thorough and credible investigation into the case.
He explained that the complexity of transnational drug trafficking requires careful handling of evidence to avoid compromising prosecutions and to ensure that those responsible can be successfully held accountable in court.
According to him, premature conclusions or politically driven narratives could weaken the integrity of the investigation and hinder efforts to secure convictions.
“This is a transnational investigation. We are focused on evidence, not politics. The goal is to ensure that when cases are brought forward, they are strong enough to stand in court,” Piah stated.
The Information Minister also noted that in previous drug-related cases, some prosecutions failed due to insufficient evidence, a situation the government is determined to avoid. He stressed that current efforts are centered on strengthening investigative processes and ensuring proper coordination among security institutions and international partners.
Piah further rejected claims suggesting that authorities are withholding information for non-transparent reasons, insisting that operational considerations and international cooperation protocols require discretion at this stage of the investigation.
He added that Liberia’s engagement with international partners has been crucial in addressing drug trafficking and that safeguarding shared intelligence is essential to maintaining trust and continued cooperation.
The Minister urged the public to remain patient and allow security agencies to complete their work, warning against the politicization of sensitive national security matters.
He maintained that the government remains committed to transparency in due course, but only after investigators have secured the necessary evidence and completed critical stages of the case.
The US$19.2 million cocaine seizure has sparked widespread public debate, with citizens, lawmakers, and civil society actors calling for greater transparency regarding those allegedly involved and the progress of the investigation.
Despite the public pressure, government officials continue to insist that protecting the integrity of the investigation remains the top priority.
As the probe continues, authorities say efforts are underway to ensure that all individuals connected to the case are identified and brought to justice through due legal process.
About The Author
