Liberian authorities have seized cocaine valued at approximately $370 million, in what is being described as the country's largest-ever drug bust. The operation, which followed a long-running investigation into drug-trafficking networks, led to the interception of six cargo boxes at Roberts International Airport.
The shipment was falsely declared as containing food seasoning and textiles, but investigators discovered nearly 200 compressed blocks of cocaine destined for export. The seizure has prompted a joint investigation involving the police and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
Liberian Vice-President Jeremiah Koung commended the security forces for their efforts and stated that any individual found culpable would face the full extent of the law. The operation has, however, also drawn political criticism, with some accusing authorities of a slow response in identifying suspects, raising concerns that individuals linked to the case may have already fled the country. In response to these concerns, President Joseph Boakai ordered a comprehensive investigation.
Several suspects have been charged in connection with the seizure, and international arrest warrants are being pursued for others who remain at large. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Liberia faces in combating drug trafficking.
West Africa has long been recognized by international law enforcement agencies as a critical transit route for cocaine moving from South America to Europe. Factors such as porous borders and inconsistent enforcement in parts of the region facilitate this trafficking. According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, an estimated 30% of cocaine destined for Europe now passes through West Africa. The organization also notes a rise in local cocaine consumption, including crack cocaine.
Cocaine seizures in West Africa have steadily increased since 2019, with approximately 30 tonnes confiscated in 2025. The United Nations has also issued warnings regarding the escalating threat posed by drug-trafficking networks in the region, citing their increasingly sophisticated operations as a significant concern.
Liberia has experienced several high-profile drug seizures in recent years, including a 520kg cocaine haul intercepted at Monrovia's seaport in 2022. Since assuming office in 2024, President Boakai's administration has faced mounting pressure to address the drug problem, leading to several reshuffles in the leadership of the country's drug enforcement agency.