The Liberian government ignored calls and admonitions from citizens not to proceed with the destruction of the $336M cocaine recently seized while legal procedures go on.
Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, as one of many Liberians, urged the Government to complete all legal and investigative procedures before destroying two major cocaine consignments seized in separate operations and valued at more than US$336 million.
In a statement issued, the former VP commended the Joint Security for the seizures but warned that hasty destruction without proper process could undermine prosecutions and public trust.
Liberian authorities have recorded two of the largest drug busts in the country’s history in recent months
The Duazon Bust of 3,971 kilograms of cocaine intercepted with an estimated street value of US$317.68 million followed the RIA bust of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at over US$19 million.
The drugs that were in the custody of security agencies pending court and administrative processes were destroyed by the government.
Madam Howard-Taylor said while she supports the government’s tough stance against narcotics, due process must be followed to ensure the cases stand in court and Liberia meets international standards.
She specifically called for forensic examination of the consignments to confirm content and origin, preservation of samples for court proceedings and possible international investigations and proper documentation of chain of custody from seizure to destruction.
“Destroying the drugs without completing these steps could create legal loopholes,” the former VP cautioned. “We must ensure that justice is not only done, but seen to be done.”
She noted that in major drug cases globally, prosecutors rely on lab reports, sampled evidence, and documented procedures to secure convictions against traffickers and their networks.
The former vice president praised the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia National Police, and other Joint Security actors for what she described as “professional and coordinated operations” that led to the seizures.
“The interception of over 4,200 kilograms of cocaine sends a strong message that Liberia will not be used as a transit hub for illicit drugs,” she said. “But our credibility will also be judged by how we handle the evidence afterward.”
The seizures come as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration has declared drug abuse and trafficking a national emergency. The government has pledged stronger interdiction, rehabilitation programs, and cooperation with international partners.
The US$19 million RIA case remains under active investigation with several suspects facing prosecution. Authorities have not yet announced trial dates for suspects linked to the larger Duazon consignment.
Anti-drug advocates have also been calling for transparency in the destruction process, including inviting observers from the judiciary, civil society, and international partners.
Legal experts say proper handling of large narcotics seizures is critical for two reasons: Prosecution: Courts require verified evidence and documented procedures to convict.
Partners like the UNODC and DEA expect adherence to protocols before evidence is destroyed. The LDEA is expected to announce the date and procedure for the destruction of the drugs in the coming days.
With more than US$336 million worth of cocaine now destroyed, the call from the former Vice President adds to growing pressure for a transparent, legally sound process.
She commends the busts, but urged the completion of all legal and investigative procedures first.
Meanwhile, Executive Protection Service (EPS) Director Sam Gaye has reacted to the former Vice President, telling her “there are legal guidelines regarding the destruction of bulk drug evidence.”
According to him, the “process was followed to the letter. Representative samples were collected for presentation in court. And the court legally authorized the destruction pursuant to law and international best practices.”
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