(Monticello, Minnesota, The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) has expressed profound concern over recent public statements made by the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman, alleging that drug cartels connected to the seizure of more than US$300 million worth of suspected cocaine in Margibi County have been financing certain media outlets in an effort to discredit and undermine the ongoing criminal investigation.
The Inspector General claimed the alleged payments were intended to spread misinformation, divert public attention, weaken the integrity of the investigation, and ultimately facilitate the release of individuals connected to the case.
ALJA in a press release issued on August 2, 2026, says the Police Inspector General’s allegations create a dent in the integrity of Liberia’s justice system, the credibility of the Liberian media, and the nation’s collective efforts to combat transnational organized crime.
ALJA says any attempt by criminal organizations to infiltrate or manipulate the media for illicit purposes is deeply troubling and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. “Such conduct, ALJA maintained, would erode public confidence in journalism, undermine the public’s right to accurate and impartial information, and threaten the essential role of a free and independent press in a democratic society”.
The ALJA press release quoting ALJA’s National President Joey Kennedy, called on Inspector General Coleman to validate his allegations levied against the Liberian media by naming the journalists and the media institutions that have been compromised or bribed by drug cartels.
President Kenned emphasized, “That allegations of this magnitude must be supported by credible evidence and handled through established legal and investigative processes, noting that public statements that broadly implicate media institutions without identifying those allegedly involved or presenting substantiating evidence risk unfairly damaging the reputation of responsible journalists and media organizations that continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical reporting”.
Accordingly, the ALJA President calls on the Liberia National Police to ensure that evidence supporting these allegations is submitted through the appropriate investigative and judicial channels and that where sufficient evidence exists, individuals or media entities found to have knowingly collaborated with criminal organizations should be investigated, and where warranted, prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Liberia, while fully respecting constitutional guarantees of due process and the presumption of innocence.
Mr. Kennedy also urges journalists and media institutions across Liberia to remain steadfast in their commitment to accuracy, fairness, independence, and accountability. The ALJA leader intimated that at atime when public trust is indispensable, journalists have a responsibility to reject every attempt by criminal enterprises, political actors, or other vested interests to influence news coverage or compromise editorial independence.
Mr. Kennedy called on media institutions to continuously strengthen their editorial safeguards, reinforce ethical standards, and promote greater transparency to preserve the confidence of the Liberian people.
Meanwhile, ALJA is commending President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for taking swift administrative action by dismissing government officials and other public sector employees reportedly linked to the ongoing drug trafficking investigation. This decisive action sends a clear and unequivocal message that public office is a public trust and that no individual entrusted with serving the Liberian people is above accountability.
ALJA believes the President’s actions demonstrate commendable leadership and political resolve in confronting the growing threat posed by transnational drug trafficking networks emphasizing that by acting promptly, President Boakai has reinforced the principle that allegations involving serious criminal conduct must be treated with urgency and that public confidence in government institutions depends on leaders who are prepared to make difficult decisions in the
interest of justice and national security.
While applauding these administrative measures, ALJA accentuates that dismissals alone cannot substitute for comprehensive criminal investigations and judicial accountability. The Association therefore encourages the Government of Liberia to ensure that these actions are followed by impartial, transparent, and evidence-based investigations.
Any person found culpable should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, while those who are innocent must be afforded the full protection of due process and their constitutional rights.
The Association also calls upon all public officials, regardless of rank, position, or political affiliation, to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities. The fight against narcotics trafficking is a national responsibility that demands integrity, transparency, and the collective commitment of all Liberians.
ALJA reiterates its unwavering support for the Liberia National Police and other law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat narcotics trafficking, organized crime, money laundering, and corruption stressing thatsuccessfully dismantling criminal networks responsible for trafficking dangerous narcotics is essential to safeguarding Liberia’s national security, protecting its international reputation, and preserving the rule of law.
The Association likewise reaffirms its steadfast commitment to press freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution of Liberia. A free and independent press remains indispensable to democratic governance. However, press freedom carries with it a profound responsibility to report truthfully, ethically, independently, and without fear or favor.
ALJA emphasizes that Liberia’s fight against narcotics trafficking must transcend politics, personal interests, and institutional rivalries. The growing influence ofTransnational drug trafficking networks poses a direct threat to national security, democratic governance, economic development, public health, and Liberia’s international standing.
Combating this menace requires a unified national response anchored in integrity, professionalism, accountability, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
The Association therefore calls upon the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary, law enforcement agencies, the media, civil society organizations, religious institutions, traditional leaders, and every patriotic all Liberians to work together in confronting this national threat. “Political differences and institutional interests must never be permitted to weaken Liberia’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks that endanger the country’s future”, ALJA President Kennedy added.
The Association remains steadfast in its support for a transparent, impartial, and evidence-driven investigation into the Margibi cocaine seizure and any related criminal activities. Those found responsible—regardless of their political affiliation, social status, or official position—must be held fully accountable under the law. At the same time, the constitutional rights of every accused person must be respected throughout theinvestigative and judicial process.
ALJA firmly believes that a nation governed by the rule of law, served by strong and independent institutions, and supported by a free, responsible, and ethical press is best equipped to defeat corruption, organized crime, and narcotics trafficking. By working together in the spirit of national unity and accountability, Liberians can strengthen public confidence in their institutions, protect the country’s democracy, and build a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for generations to come.
The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) is a nonprofit professional organization comprising current and former Liberian journalists and media practitioners residing in the United States. ALJA is committed to promoting press freedom, ethical journalism, democratic governance, the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and professional excellence while supporting initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions and sustainable development in Liberi
