By Jamesetta D. Williams
MONROVIA-Providing update on its ongoing efforts to combat organized drug trafficking, the Liberian government assured the public that investigations are being conducted through evidence gathering, intelligence development, and established legal procedures.
Government officials have reiterated that the administration is taking measures to confront criminal drug trafficking networks operating in Liberia.
According to officials, the Joint National Security Investigative Team is prioritizing evidence-based investigations and intelligence gathering to ensure that cases presented before the courts are supported by sufficient evidence and can withstand judicial scrutiny.
The government emphasized that individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities will be afforded due process, stressing that prosecutions will be pursued in accordance with Liberian law.
The update comes amid an ongoing investigation into a major cocaine trafficking case in which a Grand Jury in Montserrado County has reportedly indicted 10 individuals.
According to prosecutors, the indictment is connected to an alleged 200-kilogram cocaine trafficking scheme involving a cargo shipment, false cargo declarations, and an alleged attempt to recover the seized shipment through a payment of US$100,000.
Those named in the indictment include George Wah Harris, Al Liberia Harris, Paul Jamaican, Philip Yu Jr., Muhammad Al Bua, Moses Challa, Michael S. Brown, Rahim Bar, Oscar G. Brown, and Usman Ali, along with a private bar operator whose identity was not disclosed in the statement.
Prosecutors allege that some of the accused were connected to the movement and attempted recovery of the cocaine shipment.
The indictment also reportedly references alleged involvement by former Liberia Revenue Authority employee Michael S. Brown in the movement and attempted recovery of the shipment.
However, all individuals named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Government officials said the investigation remains focused on gathering evidence, developing intelligence, and following the appropriate judicial and legal processes.
They maintained that the government’s response is intended to disrupt organized drug trafficking while ensuring that the rights of accused persons and the rule of law are respected.
The government further said the drug trafficking investigation forms part of a broader national agenda aimed at strengthening institutions, protecting Liberia’s natural resources, improving infrastructure, increasing domestic revenue, expanding access to justice, and addressing organized criminal activities.
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