MONROVIA — Liberia’s Joint Security has destroyed more than 4.2 metric tons of cocaine with an estimated street value of US$336 million, following a court-approved public incineration in Careysburg on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The destruction marks one of the country’s most significant actions yet against international drug trafficking networks.
The narcotics originated from two major seizures carried out in June and July. The first operation, conducted on June 8 at Roberts International Airport (RIA), led to the confiscation of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine concealed in commercial cargo and valued at more than US$19 million.
A second and much larger operation on July 21 in Duazon resulted in the seizure of nearly 4 metric tons (3,971 kilograms) of processed cocaine, with authorities estimating its value at approximately US$317 million.
The destruction came as Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman disclosed fresh details during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, alleging that senior security officials played a direct role in facilitating the drug trafficking operation.
According to Coleman, a year-long intelligence and surveillance investigation led to the arrest and formal charging of Highway Patrol Chief Wadell Quaboe and Major Crimes Chief Anthony Blaye.
The two officers were transferred to court on Thursday after investigators accused them of using official Liberia National Police vehicles to escort the cocaine from the shoreline to its storage location. Authorities also identified a deputy commander of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) assigned at Roberts International Airport as another suspect in the case.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh said the investigation has expanded beyond Liberia’s borders, with law enforcement agencies in Morocco, Rwanda, and the Netherlands assisting in the ongoing probe.
Reaffirming President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s commitment to accountability, Tweh stressed that investigators will pursue every credible lead without regard for status or position. “There will be no limits. If the evidence points to you, you will be investigated,” the Justice Minister declared.
Tweh also addressed allegations circulating on social media linking Joseph Boakai Jr., the President’s son, to the drug trafficking investigation, seeking to dispel what he described as unsubstantiated claims.
The accusations gained traction after a widely circulated video featuring individuals claiming to be members of a Colombian drug cartel threatened both Boakai Jr. and the Liberian government in response to the massive cocaine seizures.
Earlier this week, Executive Protection Service (EPS) Director Sam Gaye dismissed the threats, insisting the government would not be intimidated and would proceed with the court-ordered destruction of the seized narcotics as planned.
