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“The Government of Liberia has elevated the case to a Joint National Security Investigation due to the scale of the seizure and its suspected connections to transnational organized crime networks. The investigation is being coordinated jointly by the LDEA and the Liberia National Police, with support from the National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, Customs authorities, Airport Security, the Ministry of Justice, and other security institutions,” LDEA says
By Stephanie M. Duncan
In an attempt to whisk off mounting public pressure amid questionable circumstances regarding the $19 million dollars worth of cocaine recently seized at the RIA, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has put perfume on the case as having high-class status because of the security agencies in the investigation – defending its decision not to immediately disclose the identities of suspects linked to the matter, while citing the need to protect the investigation.
Huge public outcry mars LDEA’s inability to disclose identities of individuals already in its custody in connection to the recent seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine.
In its Saturday statement, the LDEA said the Government of Liberia has elevated the case to a Joint National Security Investigation due to the scale of the seizure and its suspected connections to transnational organized crime networks.
“The investigation is being coordinated jointly by the LDEA and the Liberia National Police, with support from the National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, Customs authorities, Airport Security, the Ministry of Justice, and other security institutions,” the statement read.
According to the agency, the government views the case as more than a narcotics offense, describing it as a major national security threat with implications for border security, aviation safety, financial integrity, public safety, and Liberia’s international reputation.
The LDEA acknowledged growing public demands, particularly on social media, for the immediate publication of names connected to the shipment. However, the agency warned that premature disclosure could jeopardize the investigation by alerting suspects, enabling the destruction of evidence, interfering with intelligence operations, compromising international law enforcement cooperation, and undermining future prosecutions.
Investigators revealed that the cocaine shipment was delivered to Roberts International Airport on June 5 by an individual identified as Emmanuel Zeon, who reportedly left the airport shortly after delivering the cargo to a warehouse for export through Brussels Airlines. Authorities say Zeon is currently being sought by law enforcement agencies.
The agency disclosed that several individuals and institutions involved in the shipment process, including shipping agencies, airport personnel, security officers, and other relevant parties, are cooperating with investigators as authorities pursue multiple leads.
Officials said the Joint Security Team is actively working to identify not only those directly connected to the seized drugs but also the financiers, facilitators, logistical coordinators, corrupt enablers, and international actors believed to be part of the broader criminal enterprise.
“The investigation will not end with the seizure of narcotics,” the statement emphasized, noting that authorities are committed to dismantling the entire network responsible for financing and coordinating the trafficking operation.
The government also stressed the importance of safeguarding the integrity of Roberts International Airport, describing it as a vital gateway for international trade, investment, tourism, and travel. Authorities said the probe aims to strengthen confidence in Liberia’s aviation and security systems while assuring international partners of the country’s commitment to combating organized crime.
The LDEA further assured the public that no individual would be protected from scrutiny because of status, influence, political affiliation, or institutional position.
“Where sufficient evidence exists, arrests will be made, charges will be filed, and prosecutions will be pursued without fear, favor, or exception,” the agency declared.
While pledging transparency and accountability, the LDEA maintained that investigative considerations must remain paramount during active operations. The agency said information suitable for public disclosure will be released as arrests are made and charges are formally filed in court.
Authorities are urging citizens to assist the investigation by providing relevant information and reaffirmed their determination to bring all individuals connected to the operation—both within Liberia and abroad—to justice.
The seizure is one of the largest cocaine interceptions in Liberia’s recent history and has intensified public attention on the country’s efforts to combat international drug trafficking and organized crime.
Prior to the LDEA’s justification, Senator Abraham Darius Dillon issued a rebuke, and called on the anti-drug body to provide an update on the ongoing investigation into the reported US$19 million drug seizure recently uncovered at Liberia’s main international airport.
Like many others, Sen. Dillon expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of public disclosure surrounding the case, joining growing calls for transparency and accountability in the handling of one of the country’s largest reported drug busts.
According to the Senator, the matter has become “embarrassingly concerning,” noting that nearly a week has passed since the LDEA announced the discovery and seizure of the large consignment of suspected narcotics.
He further questioned the agency’s decision to withhold the identities of individuals reportedly considered “persons of interest” in the investigation.
“Since this matter is already public knowledge and was made public by the LDEA itself, I will take the liberty to raise some concerns that are being widely discussed by the public,” Dillon stated.
Among the questions raised by the lawmaker were: Who are the persons of interest under investigation? Why are their identities being withheld? Why has there been a delay in publicly naming them several days after the initial announcement? And under what circumstances are the names of persons of interest withheld in matters of such significant public concern?
The Senator warned that the absence of regular public updates is fueling speculation and misinformation.
“LDEA, do you now see that without daily public updates, your action or inaction is generating speculation, twisting of facts, spinning of narratives, and finger-pointing?” he asked.
Senator Dillon urged the agency to provide a comprehensive update on the status of the investigation and the progress being made toward identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
“LDEA, you need to speak up now and provide clear updates on the progress being made in this very grave matter, so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice and made to face the full weight of the law,” he emphasized.
The lawmaker further indicated that should the agency fail to provide satisfactory information, the matter could be formally raised before the Liberian Senate.
“Alternatively, we will be left with the duty, without fear or favor, to bring this matter before the Senate next week to compel the appropriate and necessary actions to ensure clarity, accountability, and justice,” Dillon concluded on his official Facebook page.
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