President Boakai Purges Officials After US$390 Million Cocaine Seizures

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. dismissed and suspended senior government and security officials following the interception of cocaine with an estimated street value of nearly US$390 million. The crackdown targets personnel from the Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, and Roberts International Airport. The seizures included approximately 237.6 kilograms at the airport and 3,971 kilograms in Duazon. Boakai characterized the incidents as evidence of institutional compromise by transnational syndicates and asserted that officials engaging in criminal conduct would not remain in public service.

Simultaneously, former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor called on the government to halt plans to destroy US$317 million worth of the seized narcotics. She argued that destroying the evidence before completing forensic and investigative requirements could undermine public confidence and weaken the prosecution of criminal networks. Howard-Taylor demanded transparency regarding judicial approvals and the preservation of the chain of custody for laboratory analyses.

The Government of Liberia responded by stating that any destruction of the narcotics would occur only with court approval. Officials confirmed that representative samples would be preserved for future prosecutions as the state continues efforts to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard national security.