15/06/2026
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL)
On the Major Drug Seizure at Roberts International Airport and Its National Security Implications
Monrovia, Liberia – June 15, 2026
The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) expresses profound concern over the recent interception of a major consignment of co***ne valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
According to reports from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), in collaboration with Joint Security and airport authorities, 198 compressed plates of co***ne concealed in six cargo boxes were seized on June 8, 2026. The shipment, weighing an estimated 237.6 kilograms, was reportedly destined for Europe via a commercial airline route. This represents one of the largest drug seizures recorded in Liberia in recent years.
While WONGOSOL commends the LDEA and all security actors involved for this interception, the incident raises serious concerns regarding the integrity of Liberia’s border security systems and the country’s vulnerability to transnational organized crime.
As a national women’s rights and governance institution committed to justice, accountability, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, WONGOSOL believes the Liberian public deserves full transparency and credible information regarding this matter.
Reports indicate that several persons of interest are currently under investigation. However, authorities have not yet disclosed identities or affiliations, citing ongoing investigations. The House of Representatives has reportedly summoned relevant security institutions, including the LDEA, Immigration Service, Customs, and Airport Authority, to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the seizure.
Key Concerns Raised by WONGOSOL
WONGOSOL urges the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice and relevant security institutions, to provide urgent clarity on the following:
1. Identification of those involved
The public deserves to know whether airport personnel, customs officers, cargo handlers, airline staff, or external criminal networks facilitated this operation.
2. Security breach analysis
How did such a significant quantity of narcotics pass through Liberia’s primary international gateway without detection, and what systemic weaknesses were exploited?
3. National security implications
Is Liberia increasingly being used as a transit corridor for international drug trafficking networks operating in the sub-region and beyond?
Broader National Impact
WONGOSOL emphasizes that this incident extends beyond law enforcement and represents a serious governance, public health, and national development concern.
Drug trafficking contributes to rising insecurity, strengthens organized crime, and fuels corruption within institutions. It disproportionately affects women and young people, increasing vulnerabilities linked to substance abuse, economic hardship, gender-based violence, and social instability.
Furthermore, such incidents risk undermining public trust in national institutions and damaging Liberia’s international reputation, including investor confidence and diplomatic credibility.
WONGOSOL Calls For:
1. A full, independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the seizure;
2. Public disclosure of all individuals found culpable, regardless of status or affiliation;
3. Strengthened airport and border security systems, including cargo screening and surveillance;
4. Enhanced inter-agency coordination among LDEA, Immigration, Customs, NSA, and Airport Security;
5. Legislative oversight and public accountability briefings; and
6. Swift prosecution of all individuals found responsible under Liberian law.
Conclusion
Liberia must not become a transit hub for international narcotics trafficking. The fight against drugs is not only a security issue but also a matter of governance, public health, peacebuilding, and national development.
WONGOSOL calls on the Government of Liberia to act decisively, transparently, and without political interference to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
Signed:
Esther S.David Yango
Executive Director
Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL)
