The Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU) has given its backing to the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) against recent comments made by Liberia National Police Inspector General Col. Gregory O.W. Coleman concerning alleged financial links between drug cartels and members of the Liberian media.
LINSU described the allegation as damaging to the credibility of the Liberian press and called on the police and government to provide evidence to support such claims.
Besides backing the PUL in urging the Police IG to provide evidence of his allegations, the student body called for a more aggressive and independent national response to Liberia’s growing drug crisis, warning that recent drug investigations point to serious concerns involving national security, institutional integrity and the vulnerability of young Liberians.
In a statement issued Monday, August 10, 2026, LINSU said the scale of recent drug seizures and revelations emerging from ongoing investigations demonstrate that Liberia’s drug problem has gone beyond a law enforcement issue and now poses broader national security and public health concerns.
The students’ organization urged the Government of Liberia to move beyond the seizure and destruction of narcotics and focus on dismantling the networks allegedly responsible for financing, facilitating and transporting illegal drugs.
LINSU called for authorities to follow the money, identify alleged financiers and facilitators, investigate the movement of illicit proceeds and strengthen controls at Liberia’s entry and exit points.
The organization further called for investigations to extend to individuals and institutions that may have enabled or facilitated the trafficking of narcotics into or through Liberia.
Commenting on LNP IG Coleman alleged financial links between drug cartels and members of the Liberian media, LINSU described the allegation as damaging to the credibility of the Liberian press and called on the police and government to provide evidence to support such claims.
According to the students’ union, investigative journalism should complement the work of law enforcement by exposing wrongdoing, questioning public officials and scrutinizing institutions, particularly during a national crisis.
LINSU warned that broad or unsubstantiated allegations against the media could undermine public confidence in journalists and weaken the press’s ability to perform its professional and constitutional responsibilities.
The organization consequently called for Inspector General Coleman to step aside from the ongoing drug investigation to allow for what it described as an independent and impartial process.
LINSU’s position comes as Liberia’s security sector faces increasing scrutiny over allegations emerging from ongoing drug investigations, including claims involving security personnel and other individuals.
The students’ union argued that institutions responsible for protecting the country must also be subjected to accountability and independent scrutiny whenever allegations arise against their members.
Meanwhile, LINSU has expressed solidarity with the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), particularly in its demand that allegations linking members of the media to drug money be substantiated with credible evidence.
The organization stressed that journalists and media institutions are not above the law, adding that any journalist or media organization found through credible investigation to have knowingly participated in or benefited from the narcotics trade should face the law.
However, LINSU maintained that allegations must be supported by evidence and handled through due process rather than broad accusations.
LINSU also urged the government to recognize that Liberia’s drug crisis extends beyond international drug trafficking.
The organization specifically raised concerns over the increasing exposure of young Liberians to substance abuse, particularly the drug commonly known as “kush.”
It called for a national strategy that combines law enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation, treatment, public education and meaningful interventions targeting young people.
According to LINSU, Liberia’s response must address both the networks involved in drug trafficking and the growing demand and use of illicit substances among young people.
The organization said the government must demonstrate the political will to pursue the investigation wherever the evidence leads, whether within the business community, security institutions, government offices or other centers of influence.
LINSU further called on the Government of Liberia to prioritize transparency, evidence-based investigations and accountability as the country confronts the unfolding drug crisis.
The students’ union urged the media to remain professional, factual, courageous and responsible in reporting on the investigations, while reaffirming its support for press freedom and the public’s right to know.
The statement comes amid heightened national concern over drug trafficking and allegations surrounding Liberia’s security sector, with growing demands for authorities to identify and prosecute individuals found to be involved in the illegal drug trade.
For LINSU, the current drug crisis represents a defining moment for Liberia, requiring authorities to dismantle trafficking networks while simultaneously protecting young people from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
The organization maintained that the success of Liberia’s response should not be measured only by the quantity of drugs seized, but by whether authorities are able to identify the financiers, facilitators and networks behind the trade and prevent the continued flow of illicit drugs into the country.
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