MONROVIA – The United States of America through its embassy near Monrovia has been drawn into Liberia’s hurl and pull drug puzzle, which is getting dimensional every passing day, as the Liberian government struggles to unravel its mystery and satisfy the demands of unsuspecting citizens’ yearn for full disclosure.
It is almost two weeks since the $19 million worth of cocaine was intercepted by agents of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), but without clear breakthrough in the ongoing investigations said to be spearheaded by almost all members of the national security architect – an apparent sign of seriousness and complexity of the drug case in terms of the evolving issues.
Liberians are demanding the LDEA disclose names of individuals it claimed to have in its custody as a demonstration of transparency and accountability.
The anti-drug agency responded, stating the investigations are being conducted by almost all the national security institutions, including Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice, National Security Agency and others, suggesting the investigations are being its control.
But with breakthrough seems not to be in sight, the matter has been taken to the doorsteps of the international community.
Yesterday, the Liberia Protest Coalition (LPC), a coalition comprising approximately than 37 civil society organizations, political groups, student movements, and pro-democracy activists, has formally petitioned the United States Embassy in Monrovia, demanding an independent international investigation into two high-profile drug cases and raising concerns about what it describes as a growing threat of Liberia becoming a “Narco-State.”
The petition was addressed to the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Joe Zadrozny Tuesday. In the communication the group stated that, their gathering is the beginning of the coalition campaign leading to a bigger planned Protest.
In the document, the coalition expressed deep concern over the June 9 seizure of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, reportedly valued at approximately US$19 million (about LRD 3.6 billion). While authorities announced the seizure, the LPC argued that critical information surrounding the case remains undisclosed.
The coalition called on the United States Government and Liberia’s international partners to support a comprehensive independent investigation, including disclosure of the cargo manifest, identification of all parties connected to the shipment, review of customs and security clearances, and publication of a full investigative report.
Beyond the recent airport seizure, the LPC also highlighted unresolved questions surrounding a 2025 narcotics case involving Dominic Morlue.
According to the petition, drugs allegedly valued at approximately LRD 56 million were confiscated by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), but many citizens remain unaware of the final outcome of the case.
The coalition noted that public allegations have circulated suggesting the matter may not have been fully prosecuted or transparently adjudicated. While acknowledging that such claims remain unverified, the LPC argued that the lack of publicly available information has contributed to growing skepticism about the country’s justice system.
”The absence of public accountability has only deepened public suspicion and distrust,” the petition stated.
The group further expressed alarm over what it described as a pattern of significant narcotics interceptions reported in Liberia over the past two years. According to the coalition, the increasing frequency and scale of drug seizures raise concerns that international trafficking networks may be exploiting weaknesses within Liberia’s borders, ports, and institutions.
”We say NO to a Narco-State,” the petition declared. “We say NO to the capture of state institutions by criminal networks. We say NO to the destruction of our country’s reputation.”
The LPC urged international organizations, including the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Union, to closely monitor developments in Liberia and support initiatives aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, democratic governance, and the rule of law.
The coalition also appealed directly to the U.S. President Donald J. Trump and the United States Government to support efforts to ensure full disclosure and accountability in major narcotics investigations.
Leading the petition effort, Mulbah K. Morlu, identified in the document as Lead Campaigner of the Liberia Protest Coalition. Morlu said the petition reflects the concerns of citizens who believe Liberia must remain “a democratic state governed by laws, not a Narco-State governed by secrecy, corruption, and impunity.”
As public debate over narcotics trafficking and governance intensifies, the coalition says it will continue mobilizing citizens ahead of its planned nationwide protest in July, while pressing authorities to provide answers regarding both the recent US$19 million cocaine seizure and other unresolved drug cases.
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