MONROVIA -In an early Tuesday evening address to the nation, President Joseph N. Boakai vowed that “no person will be untouchable, no institution will be safe from scrutiny, and no criminal network will escape justice” following one of the largest narcotic interdictions in Liberia’s history.
In the few minutes address broadcast on state radio, the first since the seizure of the huge quantity of narcotic substance at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), President Boakai describes the seizure as the biggest in the country’s history, with an estimated street value exceeding “19 million”.
He called the seizure a “stark reminder” that West Africa continues to be viewed by criminal enterprises as a transit corridor for dangerous drugs and illicit proceeds.
“Liberia is open for business, but Liberia is not open for business of drug trafficking,” the President declared.
He warned that Liberia will not be used as a safe haven, transit point, warehouse, financial center, or operational base by any group or network seeking to exploit Liberian territory, corrupt institutions, or endanger the country’s youth.
President Boakai said the ongoing investigation is being led by the National Joint Security, National Security Council, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, airport security, Ministry of Justice, and other relevant institutions.
The probe will proceed on two fronts, including to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute every individual directly connected to the shipment where evidence warrants.
The other aspect of the investigation, he added, is to dismantle the entire criminal enterprise behind the operation — not just intercept drugs or arrest couriers, but expose and destroy the networks that finance, coordinate, facilitate, and profit from the activity.
“Whether they operate within Liberia or beyond our borders, whether they are private citizens, public officials, financiers, facilitators, or foreign actors, they will face the full force of the law,” pres. Boakai stated.
On international collaboration, the President said Liberia is strengthening cooperation with international partners.
According to him, a high-level delegation has already been dispatched to engage key international law enforcement and security agencies for intelligence sharing, asset tracking, forensic analysis, and coordinated cross-border investigations.
While acknowledging public demand for information and accountability, Boakai urged Liberians to remain calm, responsible, and patient.
He explained that successful investigations require discipline and protection of operational details, and that premature disclosures could compromise the case, destroy evidence, and endanger lives of those cooperating with authorities.
He assured that information will be shared with the public at appropriate stages of the investigation, consistent with the law.
“This is a fight for the future of our young people”*
Closing his address, the President said drug trafficking is not just a law enforcement challenge but a fight for Liberia’s future, the security of communities, the credibility of institutions, and the prosperity of the nation.
“Those who think to profit from the suffering of our people and the insecurity of our nation will find no refuge in Liberia. Together, with unity and determination, we will win this fight. God bless us all and save the state,” he concluded.
Whether the President’s address and assurance will calm the raging storm or fuel it further will be determined in the days ahead.
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