-LDEA Faces Growing Pressure Over $19 Million Cocaine Seizure
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA, Liberia – More than six days after the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency announced one of the largest drug seizures in the nation’s history, public pressure continues to mount as authorities refuse to disclose the identities of six suspects arrested in connection with the US$19.2 million cocaine shipment intercepted at Roberts International Airport.
An estimated 13% of Liberia’s population engages in illicit drug abuse, with up to 20% of the country’s youth suffering from substance addiction. Driven by post-conflict trauma and a lack of employment, these usage rates are significantly higher than the global average.
The seizure, which occurred on June 8, 2026, involved 198 compressed plates of cocaine weighing approximately 237.6 kilograms concealed in six cargo boxes being processed for export to Europe via Brussels Airlines. The LDEA announced the arrests of six suspects on June 9, 2026, but has not released their names, nationalities, or any identifying information.
Montserrado County Senator Abraham D. Dillon expressed dismay and embarrassment over the agency’s handling of the case nearly one week after the discovery. “ATTENTION: LDEA. The ’19M USD’ drug issue at hand has become embarrassingly concerning. It is nearly a week since the ‘busting and discovery’ of said huge consignment at our airport,” Dillion wrote.
The senator specifically questioned the agency’s reported withholding of the names of “Persons of Interest” connected to the shipment. “Further, your reported ‘withholding’ of the names of ‘Persons of Interest’ is troubling,” Dillon said. Dillon pressed the LDEA on multiple specific questions regarding the investigation’s lack of transparency.
“Who are the ‘Persons of Interest’ under your radar? Why are their names being ‘withheld’? Why the delay in publicly naming them about four days now since the first public information?” the senator asked.
He challenged the agency’s approach by asking, “Where in the world have we seen the names of ‘Persons of Interest’ being withheld?”
Dillon warned that the LDEA’s lack of daily public updates has created an information vacuum filled with rumors and accusations. “LDEA … do you now see that without daily public updates, your action and or inaction is generating all the speculations, twisting, spinning and finger-pointings?” he wrote.
The senator demanded that the agency begin providing clear progress reports immediately.
“LDEA … you need to speak up now and tomorrow with a clear updates on progress being made with your ongoing investigation into this very grave matter to bring perpetrators to justice so as to face the full weight of the law,” Dillion said. Dillion issued a clear warning that the Senate would intervene if the LDEA failed to act transparently. “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 and justice,” the senator stated.
Exiled Activist Pens Open Letter to LDEA Chief
Martin K. N. Kollie, a Liberian activist in exile based in The Hague, Netherlands, wrote an open letter dated June 13, 2026, to Officer-In-Charge DCP Fitzgard T. M. Biago of the LDEA. Kollie opened his letter by acknowledging the agency’s previous successes in combating drug trafficking across Liberia. “First and foremost, we must admit that you and your team have been doing an incredible job to crack down on drug trafficking, smuggling, and abuse across Liberia,” Kollie wrote.
Kollie referenced the Controlled Drug and Substance Act of July 12, 2023, and the Amended Drug Enforcement Agency Act of October 17, 2014, as legal frameworks governing the LDEA’s operations. He argued that the agency’s handling of the US$19.2 million seizure defies fundamental principles of public law. “Your latest handling of the US$19.2 million RIA drug bust does not only defy the principle of legitimate expectations under public law, but diminishes the principle of equity, fairness, and impartiality,” Kollie stated.
Kollie pointed out that the LDEA has consistently disclosed the identities of suspects in past cases, including a recent arrest of an elderly man whose photo and video the agency published. “Before this US$19.2 million RIA drug bust, your latest suspect was an elderly man. You did not just publish his name but also uploaded a video of him in handcuff,” Kollie wrote.
He provided a direct link to the video as evidence of the agency’s previous disclosure practices. Kollie cited specific statistics from LDEA arrests between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026, to demonstrate the agency’s historical pattern of transparency. During that period, the LDEA arrested 233 suspects linked to 422.08 kilograms of drugs, including cocaine, kush, tramadol, and marijuana. The agency disclosed all names, uploaded photos, and forwarded each suspect to court.
Of those arrested, 195 were Liberians, 17 Nigerians, 12 Sierra Leoneans, and 9 Guineans, according to Kollie’s letter. Kollie challenged the LDEA to explain why the six suspects in the current case receive different treatment from all previous suspects. “Being a suspect does not mean one is guilty or innocent. So, why are you refusing to disclose their identities since June 9, 2026 even though this is what has been done for many years and to many suspects,” he asked.
“Why give these other suspects ‘special treatment’? The rule cannot change now and all of a sudden, and it must not,” Kollie wrote. Kollie noted that the LDEA has not even disclosed the nationalities of the arrested individuals or the flight details connected to the shipment. “Concealing their identities only creates more doubts and elevate public speculations, which further undermine institutional impeccability,” he wrote.
“Interestingly, you are not even disclosing their nationalities, too? Even the flight details, too?” Kollie asked. Kollie provided a detailed chronology of six previous LDEA drug busts where the agency immediately released suspect information, questioning why the current case differs. On March 26, 2026, the LDEA arrested 45-year-old suspect Alpha M. Jallah and immediately uploaded his photo over a US$1.337 million drug bust at Bo Waterside Port of Entry.
On February 8, 2025, the agency arrested 44-year-old suspect David Dioumessy and uploaded his photo over a US$126,846 drug bust at the same port. On July 12, 2025, the LDEA arrested 39-year-old suspect Quita Dolo Kosso at RIA and uploaded her photo without delay over a US$181,000 cocaine discovery. On September 18, 2025, the agency arrested suspects Abdullah Kamara and Umar Mohammed in Brewerville and immediately uploaded their photos over a US$146,000 drug bust.
On November 22, 2025, the LDEA arrested 30-year-old Blessing William and uploaded her photo over a US$88,442 drug bust. Kollie referenced an April 2026 statement from LDEA Deputy OIC Ernest T. Tarpeh, who said, “US$652 million worth of drugs has been seized in six months.” In all those cases, the LDEA disclosed the names and photos of the suspects, Kollie noted. “So, why now in a US$19.2 million case?” the activist asked.
Kollie warned that the delay in disclosure has reached a critical point where even future transparency may be met with public skepticism. “Today marks day 5 of zero disclosure and zero details as public doubts, misgivings, and mistrust deepen,” he wrote on June 13.
“At certain point, even if you disclose, the public would claim that you are ‘lying,'” Kollie warned.
STAND Coalition Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum
The STAND-Led Liberia Protest Coalition, a group comprising more than 37 civil society organizations, political groups, student movements, community organizations, and pro-democracy activists, issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the LDEA. The coalition demands that the agency publicly disclose the identities of all individuals and entities connected to the reported US$19 million cocaine seizure.
“We reject the claim that the transnational nature of the case justifies prolonged secrecy,” the coalition’s statement read. The coalition acknowledged the role of international partners in the drug interception operation. “STAND commends the Government of the United States and international partners whose intelligence, cooperation, and technical support reportedly contributed to the operation,” the press statement said.
The group emphasized that the true test of Liberia’s commitment to fighting narcotics lies in prosecuting those responsible. “The true test of Liberia’s commitment to fighting narcotics is not the seizure itself, but whether the owners, financiers, facilitators, protectors, and beneficiaries of the shipment are identified and prosecuted where evidence warrants,” STAND stated.
STAND called on the United States, European Union, United Nations, and other international partners to support an independent and internationally monitored investigation into the case. The coalition also demanded a deeper investigation into allegations linking twin Liberian brothers, Paul King and Peter King, to a wider narcotics trafficking network.
Allegations reportedly involve warehouse facilities at the Freeport of Monrovia, freight-forwarding operations, and a logistics chain extending to Roberts International Airport. The coalition’s statement named multiple government officials and institutions that should face investigation, including Inspector General Gregory Coleman of the Liberia National Police, Freeport Managing Director Sekou Dukuly, and National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods.
STAND also called for scrutiny of the Political Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and any Executive Mansion officials possessing relevant information.
“We are concerned that while these allegations remain under scrutiny, several individuals considered by many to be lower-level actors remain detained,” the statement said, naming Mohammed Gbowrah, Ruth Gbapaywhea, Archie, Festu Musa, Philip Yeoh, and a cook reportedly employed by Peter King.
The coalition’s 72-hour ultimatum demands that the LDEA publicly provide the identities of all suspects and persons of interest, relevant cargo manifests and shipping records, names of importers and consignees, details of customs and security clearances, information on any public officials under investigation, and a comprehensive public update on the investigation’s status. “No individual should be shielded from investigation. No institution should be above scrutiny. No one should be beyond the reach of justice,” STAND Lead Campaigner Mulbah K. Morlu wrote.
Prominent Lawyer Warns of ‘Dangerous Silence’
Prominent Liberian female lawyer Moriah Yeakula wrote via her Facebook page about the dangers of what she termed “Rescue SILENCE” regarding the cocaine shipment. “19 Million cocaine was not manufactured in Liberia. It was imported here, to be exported to another destination via Brussels. That’s transnational drug trafficking,” Yeakula wrote.
She explained that moving such quantities of drugs requires the involvement of powerful individuals.
“It’s cartel operation and to move that quantity of drugs from country to country is only possible when persons in positions of power, influence and authority in each country are involved; bosses whose authority cannot be questioned, hence orders get carried out, inspections at all levels are waived, special treatment is assured, eyes are closed, ears are locked until the package leaves— or not,” Yeakula stated.
Yeakula recalled the 2022 drug shipment of US$100 million through the Freeport of Monrovia, where four ordinary individuals were arrested and later found not guilty for lack of evidence. “Four ordinary persons- Oliver A. Zayzay (Liberian), Malam Conte (Guinea-Bissau national), Adulai Djibri Djalo (Portuguese national), and Makki Admeh Issam (Lebanese national) were arrested. They were found not guilty for lack of evidence and they immediately escaped the country after their acquittal,” she wrote.
Yeakula noted key differences between the 2022 case and the current seizure. The 2022 shipment was stored in a warehouse awaiting export, while the US$19 million cocaine was already packaged as cargo waiting to be carried out on Brussels Airlines. Yeakula raised critical questions about why authorities intercepted the shipment while it was already on its way out of Liberia.
“If it was already on its way OUT, why was it intercepted? Why not allow Interpol follow the trail? Why was that link broken in Liberia? Who ordered the confiscation and broke the link?” she asked. “Why are names being withheld? Why is Rescue govt silent?” Yeakula continued. Yeakula warned that the government’s silence creates dangerous consequences for individuals whose names circulate in public speculation.
“This kinda silence is dangerous; it leaves rooms for speculations. Speculations easily get accepted as reality in Liberia. The names circulating now will be tainted for life if they are not actually involved,” she wrote. “It is a disservice to those people, their reputation and families. That’s the danger of prolonged silence,” Yeakula stated. She directly addressed the LDEA, writing, “So DEA please tell us: Da who dem really behind this 19 Million cocaine?”
LDEA Releases Official Response
The LDEA issued a press release on June 13, 2026, acknowledging the heightened public interest surrounding the seizure. “In recognition of the magnitude of the seizure, its potential transnational dimensions, and possible links to organized criminal networks, the National Security Council has elevated the matter to a Joint National Security Investigation,” the agency stated.
The investigation involves the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, the Liberia National Police, the National Security Agency, the Executive Protection Service, the Financial Intelligence Agency, the Liberia Immigration Service, Customs Authorities, Airport Security, the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant security institutions. The LDEA addressed growing calls for the immediate publication of suspect names, explaining that operational and evidentiary requirements must take precedence.
“Premature disclosure of the identities of persons of interest, suspects, cooperating witnesses, or individuals under active investigation could tip off additional suspects, facilitate the destruction or concealment of evidence, interfere with intelligence-gathering efforts, compromise international law-enforcement cooperation, prejudice future prosecutions, and place investigators, witnesses, and other individuals at risk,” the agency stated.
The LDEA emphasized that such actions could ultimately undermine efforts to dismantle the entire criminal enterprise behind the trafficking operation.
The LDEA revealed that the consignment was transported to Roberts International Airport for shipment on Friday, June 5, 2026, by an individual identified as Emmanuel Zeon. According to the agency, Zeon departed the scene shortly after delivering the cargo to the airport warehouse for export through Brussels Airlines.
Zeon is currently being sought by law enforcement authorities, the LDEA stated. The LDEA stated that the Joint Security Team is aggressively pursuing all investigative leads, including the identification of financiers, facilitators, logistical coordinators, corrupt enablers, and any domestic or international actors connected to the shipment. “The investigation is focused not only on those directly linked to the seized narcotics but also on identifying and dismantling the broader criminal network responsible for financing, coordinating, facilitating, and attempting to exploit Liberia’s transportation and security infrastructure for illicit purposes,” the agency said.
The government assured the Liberian people and the international community that no individual will be shielded from investigation. “No individual, regardless of position, status, influence, affiliation, or institutional connection, will be shielded from investigation or exempt from the full weight of the law,” the LDEA stated. “Where sufficient evidence exists, arrests will be made, charges will be filed, and prosecutions will be pursued without fear, favor, or exception,” the agency added.
Public Expresses Doubt About Named Suspect
Despite the LDEA’s identification of Emmanuel Zeon as the individual who delivered the cocaine shipment to the airport, many Liberians have expressed skepticism about his connection to the product given its substantial value and his appearance. Public speculation continues to circulate on social media platforms, with many questioning whether a low-level courier could be the primary operator behind a US$19.2 million transnational drug trafficking operation.
The LDEA stated that as arrests are effected and charges formally filed before the courts, information appropriate for public disclosure will be released in accordance with Liberian law and established judicial procedures. However, the agency maintained that investigative considerations must take precedence while active operations remain ongoing. “The successful disruption of transnational organized crime requires the collective vigilance and cooperation of all Liberians,” the agency stated.
“This investigation will not end with the seizure of narcotics. Joint Security remains committed to identifying, disrupting, dismantling, and bringing to justice every individual, facilitator, financier, and criminal network connected to this operation, whether within Liberia or beyond its borders,” the LDEA said.
Last week, the House of Representatives mandated the leadership of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to appear before Plenary on Tuesday to provide a comprehensive report on the Agency’s efforts in combating drug trafficking and addressing concerns arising from the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The decision followed a communication submitted by Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative, Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah, who called for heightened legislative oversight into the country’s anti-drug enforcement efforts and the circumstances surrounding the recent drug interception.
In her communication, Representative Briggs-Mensah acknowledged the seizure as a significant achievement by the LDEA but noted that the incident raises serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of Liberia’s border security systems, cargo screening mechanisms, and the country’s growing vulnerability as a transit point for international narcotics trafficking.
Accordingly, Plenary requested the LDEA to provide:
A detailed report on the recent cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport;
An update on the progress made by the Agency in combating drug trafficking, including achievements resulting from government and donor support;
The status of investigations and prosecutions connected to major drug-related cases; and
Measures being undertaken to strengthen border security and cargo screening systems across Liberia.
In January 2024, President Boakai officially declared the drug crisis a national emergency, forming a Multisectoral Steering Committee to lead inter-ministerial efforts.National Anti-Drug Action Plan (2025–2030). Formally launched in late 2025, this five-year, $200,000 initially budgeted framework unifies public health, security, and education initiatives.
