By Jamesetta D. Williams
MONROVIA–Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has disclosed that Liberia’s largest drug seizure to date involves a narcotics shipment valued at more than US$300 million, describing the development as a serious threat to the country’s security and international reputation.
The drug consignment was intercepted on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during a joint security operation along the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Highway in Duazon.
Speaking at the 16th Edition of the Golden Image Awards, Vice President Koung said the massive seizure has heightened concerns that Liberia could become a major transit point for international drug trafficking networks if urgent action is not taken.
He warned that the increasing activities of transnational drug cartels pose significant risks to national security and undermine the country’s development efforts.
According to the Vice President, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has already convened an emergency meeting with relevant authorities to assess the situation and coordinate the government’s response.
Koung assured the public that the government remains committed to combating drug trafficking and ensuring that all individuals connected to the shipment are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The latest seizure is being described by authorities as the largest narcotics interception in Liberia’s history and comes amid renewed efforts by the government and security agencies to crack down on transnational organized crime.
The Government of Liberia has announced the appointment of two Liberians to senior leadership positions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), describing the development as a significant achievement for the country’s growing role in regional affairs.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the appointments were approved by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government during its 69th Ordinary Summit held in Lungi, Republic of Sierra Leone, on July 19, 2026.
The newly appointed officials are Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine, who will serve as Judge at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, and Mr. Dehpue Y. Zuo, who has been named Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission.
The Ministry said both appointments followed a rigorous and highly competitive selection process conducted at the national and regional levels in accordance with the ECOWAS Supplementary Act governing appointments to senior positions within the regional body.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti said the appointments reflect Liberia’s sustained diplomatic engagement and the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s influence within regional and multilateral institutions.
According to the Minister, the selection of the two Liberians demonstrates the confidence ECOWAS member states have in Liberia’s capacity to contribute to regional peace, justice, economic integration, and sustainable development.
She further noted that the appointments recognize not only the professional qualifications of the two officials but also Liberia’s renewed commitment to active participation and leadership within ECOWAS.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated Cllr. Brumskine and Mr. Zuo on their appointments and expressed confidence that they will effectively represent Liberia while advancing the goals and objectives of the ECOWAS Community.
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