By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — In a major breakthrough against transnational narcotics trafficking, Liberia’s Joint National Security Investigative Task Force has seized approximately 3,971 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $317.6 million USD, Minister of Justice Cllr. Oswald Tweh announced Wednesday.
The breakthrough details were disclosed during a high-profile joint security press briefing by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, at the Ministry of Information.
According to Minister Tweh, the breakthrough was the culmination of an intensive, ongoing investigation into international cartel activities using Liberia as a transit hub or destination point.
The Timeline
Min. Tweh: “Initial Detentions (Monday, July 20, 2026) acting on intelligence, the task force arrested and detained several “persons of interest” for questioning. Information extracted during these initial interrogations directly exposed the syndicate’s logistical safehouse.
The Raid (Tuesday, July 21, 2026): At approximately 9:00 AM, heavily armed units from the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force executed a court-authorized search and seizure warrant. The target was a concealed property located in the VOA Community, situated along the strategic Roberts International Airport (RIA) Highway in Margibi County.
The raid uncovered more than just the massive drug stockpile. Investigators found that the trafficking cell was highly organized and heavily equipped for maritime or covert transport operations. The items seized alongside the cocaine included an advanced Starlink satellite internet equipment used to maintain high-speed, off-grid communication with international handlers, professional diving suits and specialized maritime equipment, pointing to underwater or ship-to-shore smuggling methods.
Other items were high-grade drone technology for local surveillance and GPS tracking devices used to monitor shipments and a firearm recovered on-site, securing the tactical threat profile of the cell.
Min. Tweh stated that two foreign nationals were captured at the scene and are currently in strict security custody: A Serbian national and a suspect holding dual Colombian and Spanish citizenship.
He confirmed that the Ministry of Justice is temporarily withholding the names of the suspects to protect the integrity of ongoing global intelligence leads, noting that the syndicate has likely been operating undetected in Liberia for more than six years (dating back to as far as 2020).
Invoking the strict provisions of the Amended Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2023, Attorney General Tweh announced that the government is initiating immediate asset forfeiture protocols. The safehouse premises in the VOA Community and the vehicles utilized to transport the narcotics will be permanently confiscated and forfeited to the state.
Furthermore, the task force has been ordered to move aggressively against a linked property belonging to a suspect identified as Paul King on VB Road. Intelligence revealed that King’s residence was utilized to store, load, and transport an earlier drug shipment seized by authorities on June 8, 2026, which was subsequently moved to the RIA corridor.
Minister Tweh struck a uncompromising tone regarding public speculation and potential political interference, warning that the state will look into the wealth of citizens living far beyond their legitimate incomes.
“We assure the Liberian public that no individual—regardless of their status, influence, wealth, or political affiliation—will be shielded from accountability where credible evidence establishes criminal responsibility. Narcotics trafficking is a direct threat to our national security; it corrodes our institutions, corrupts public systems, and destroys our youth.”
The Justice Minister urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified rumors on social media, and allow the legal process to take its course. While the captured individuals are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, the state has guaranteed that its evidence custody chain is ironclad and fully prepared for prosecution.
Liberian authorities are actively collaborating with international law enforcement counterparts to trace the origin, shipping routes, and financial backers behind the multi-million dollar haul.
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