Liberian President Joseph Boakai has dismissed 11 government and security officials and suspended another without pay as his administration intensifies investigations into two major cocaine seizures with a combined estimated street value of $336 million, signalling a broader crackdown on alleged official complicity in narcotics trafficking.
The sweeping action affects officials across the Roberts International Airport, the Liberia National Police, the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), as authorities seek to determine how large consignments of cocaine moved through the country’s security and transport systems.
According to a statement from the Executive Mansion, Boakai approved the dismissals after reviewing the latest findings from ongoing investigations into the narcotics cases. Among those removed were Roberts International Airport Deputy Director for Operations, Mark Egon Kuiah; Police Commissioner in charge of Criminal Investigation, Intelligence and Interpol, Johnny Bolar Dean; and NSA Deputy Director for Administration, Patrick Doe.
The President also dismissed the airport’s Director of Security, Mohammed O. Gbowrah, and the LDEA’s Deputy Commander at Roberts International Airport, Moses Jallah, after they were reportedly indicted in connection with the investigations. Four officials from the NSA and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection were also removed from office and referred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution, while Patrick Komasu, who had been seconded to the LDEA, was recalled, suspended without pay and placed under investigation. Two police officers were equally dismissed over allegations that official vehicles were used to transport a narcotics shipment.
The disciplinary measures follow the discovery of 3,971 kilograms of cocaine at a property in Duazon, about 28 kilometres from Monrovia. Liberian authorities valued the consignment at approximately $317 million and said it was believed to be destined for Europe. A Serbian national and a Colombian-Spanish dual national were arrested during the operation.
The seizure came only weeks after security agencies intercepted another 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $19 million at Roberts International Airport. Investigators alleged that the drugs had been concealed within commercial cargo, including cartons of Maggi seasoning cubes. Five suspects have since been charged in connection with that case.
Although investigators say they have not established any direct link between the two consignments, authorities have since destroyed about 4.2 tonnes of cocaine recovered from both operations.
The unprecedented seizures have heightened concerns over airport security, cargo screening procedures and the possible involvement of public officials in transnational drug trafficking. They also triggered public protests in Monrovia and increased scrutiny from lawmakers, with civil society groups demanding transparent investigations and the prosecution of all those found culpable.
President Boakai has directed all relevant institutions to ensure that everyone connected with the cases is brought before the courts in accordance with due process, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to combating organised crime and strengthening the integrity of Liberia’s security institutions.
The investigations come against the backdrop of growing concerns over West Africa’s role as a major transit corridor for cocaine destined for European markets. Security experts have long warned that criminal networks exploit weak border controls, limited enforcement capacity and corruption within public institutions to move narcotics across the region.
While the dismissals mark the most significant administrative action taken so far, the effectiveness of Liberia’s anti-narcotics campaign will ultimately be judged by the outcome of ongoing investigations and the successful prosecution of those responsible for the trafficking network behind the multimillion-dollar cocaine consignments.
