-Senators Demand Full Accountability in US$19.2 Million Cocaine Investigation
By Jessica Cox
MONROVIA – A bipartisan group of Liberian senators has raised serious concerns over the government’s handling of the reported US$19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), warning that unanswered questions, inconsistent investigative actions and the steady leakage of sensitive information have undermined public confidence in one of the country’s most significant anti-drug operations.
Speaking on Okay FM, Senators Amara Konneh and Edwin Melvin Snow said the Senate has resolved to exercise its constitutional oversight authority by summoning members of the Joint Security Task Force to explain the circumstances surrounding the seizure and provide lawmakers with a comprehensive update on the ongoing investigation.
The lawmakers described illicit drug trafficking as a growing national security threat that demands transparency, professionalism and accountability rather than political division.
“Something is wrong somewhere,” Senator Snow declared, questioning how details from an active security investigation have repeatedly found their way into the public domain while lawmakers responsible for oversight continue to receive only limited official briefings.
According to Senator Konneh, the communication requesting Senate intervention received overwhelming bipartisan support after an extensive debate on the Senate floor, prompting lawmakers to postpone other legislative business in order to focus on the drug case.
“This is beyond partisan politics,” Konneh said. “This is a national crisis that requires all of us to work together.”
The Senate’s decision means the Joint Security Task Force is expected to appear before lawmakers to answer questions regarding the investigation, including the seizure itself, the conduct of investigators and the overall management of the case.
While acknowledging the government’s interception of the cocaine shipment, the senators argued that the investigation must extend beyond identifying those attempting to export the narcotics.
“The Liberian people deserve to know not only who attempted to move the drugs out of the country,” Konneh said, “but also how such a massive quantity of cocaine entered Liberia in the first place.”
The senators also questioned the flow of confidential information from investigators into traditional and social media.
According to Konneh, members of the Senate Security Committee have repeatedly requested detailed briefings from national security institutions but have largely received the same preliminary information already available to the public.
Meanwhile, official videos, investigative documents and alleged evidence continue circulating online.
“Who is leaking this information?” Konneh asked, warning that unauthorized disclosures could compromise the credibility and integrity of the investigation.
Snow further questioned whether everyone connected to the case is being treated equally under Liberia’s anti-drug laws.
Without accusing any individual of wrongdoing, he expressed concern over reports that one of the owners of the cargo facility linked to the seizure voluntarily presented himself to investigators and remained free while the investigation continues.
He contrasted that with the treatment often experienced by ordinary Liberians arrested on drug-related allegations.
“We passed strong anti-drug legislation,” Snow said. “The Liberian people expect that law to apply equally to everyone, regardless of status or influence.”
The senator stressed that public confidence in the investigation will ultimately depend on whether justice is seen to be fair and impartial.
The lawmakers emphasized that Liberia’s battle against illicit drugs did not begin with the current administration but has evolved into a national emergency affecting communities across the country.
Konneh noted that drug abuse, particularly the spread of kush, dominated national political discussions during the 2023 elections, arguing that the latest cocaine seizure demonstrates the increasing sophistication of transnational trafficking networks operating through Liberia.
Although they commended President Joseph Boakai’s administration and security agencies for intercepting the shipment, both senators maintained that seizure alone is not enough.
“The investigation must identify everyone responsible and explain every stage of how this shipment entered and moved through Liberia,” Konneh said.
The interview also turned to widespread public criticism that lawmakers are failing to deliver development to their counties.
Responding to the criticism, Konneh argued that many Liberians misunderstand the constitutional responsibilities of legislators.
“Our role is lawmaking, oversight and appropriation,” he explained. “We ensure ministries receive resources through the national budget and hold government institutions accountable for delivering services.”
He pointed to recent legislative hearings involving the Ministries of Education and Health as examples of oversight intended to improve service delivery nationwide.
Snow agreed, saying lawmakers frequently become the target of public frustration over projects that fall under the executive branch.
He cited the damaged Gion High School in Bomi County, where students have reportedly been displaced after a storm destroyed the school’s roof.
According to Snow, repeated appeals to the Ministry of Education have yet to produce repairs despite continued pressure on elected lawmakers.
“The expectation is always on the legislators,” he said. “Yet implementation belongs to the executive agencies.”
Both senators acknowledged that many lawmakers personally assist constituents with medical bills, education expenses and community projects, but insisted that such support cannot replace government’s responsibility to provide basic public services.
The planned appearance of the Joint Security Task Force before the Senate is expected to draw use significant national attention as Liberians continue demanding answers over one of the country’s largest reported cocaine seizures.
For the senators, the upcoming hearing represents more than an investigation into a single shipment. They say it is a critical opportunity to determine whether Liberia’s security institutions can investigate powerful interests without fear or favour and reassure the public that no individual is above the law.
As the investigation continues, one message from the Senate debate continues to resonate: “Something is wrong somewhere.” Lawmakers now say it is their responsibility to determine exactly where the system failed and who should be held accountable.
