The STAND-led Liberia Protest Coalition has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), demanding full public disclosure surrounding the ongoing Liberia cocaine seizure case involving an estimated US$19 million worth of narcotics intercepted at Roberts International Airport.
In an official statement released by campaign leader Mulbah K. Morlu, the coalition said public confidence in Liberia’s anti-drug fight depends not only on the seizure itself, but also on transparency, accountability, and equal enforcement of the law against all individuals connected to the case.
The group questioned why authorities have remained largely silent several days after announcing what has been described as one of Liberia’s biggest narcotics interceptions in recent history.
According to the statement, “The real test of Liberia’s commitment to fighting narcotics is not simply the seizure, but whether the owners, financiers, facilitators, protectors, and beneficiaries are identified and prosecuted wherever evidence exists.”
Coalition Demands International Oversight
While acknowledging efforts made by Liberian security officers during the operation, STAND also recognized the role of international cooperation, particularly support reportedly provided by the United States Government and other global anti-narcotics partners.
The coalition is now calling for an independent investigation monitored by international institutions in order to strengthen public trust and ensure credibility in the process.
Institutions mentioned include:
- United States authorities
- European Union representatives
- United Nations agencies
- International anti-drug enforcement partners
According to STAND, international monitoring would help guarantee impartiality and reassure the Liberian public that the investigation is being handled fairly.
Allegations Raised But Remain Unverified
The statement also referenced allegations circulating from multiple sources regarding a wider narcotics trafficking network allegedly connected to operations within Liberia.
Among names mentioned were individuals identified as Paul King and Peter King, with allegations suggesting possible logistics and supply-chain connections extending through the Freeport of Monrovia and Roberts International Airport.
However, the coalition stressed that these claims remain unproven and should be independently investigated before any conclusions are made.
STAND further raised concerns that some individuals currently detained may only represent lower-level actors while larger questions surrounding the operation remain unanswered.
Call For Wider Institutional Investigation
The coalition urged investigators to expand their review to all institutions and individuals connected to cargo movement, security oversight, and clearance procedures.
Areas highlighted for further scrutiny include:
- Law enforcement oversight mechanisms
- Port administration operations
- National security coordination systems
- Airport operational procedures
- Customs and immigration clearance processes
- Cargo handling and freight forwarding operations
STAND emphasized that its statement should not be interpreted as declaring any public official guilty of wrongdoing.
“No institution should be above scrutiny. No one should be beyond the reach of justice.”
Information Requested Within 72 Hours
As part of its demands, the coalition called on the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency to publicly release the following information within 72 hours:
- Identities of suspects and persons of interest where legally permissible
- Cargo manifests and shipping documentation
- Importer and consignee details
- Customs and security clearance records
- Information on whether public officials are currently under investigation
- A comprehensive public status update on the entire case
The coalition concluded by stating that Liberia’s fight against narcotics trafficking requires transparency, accountability, and equal treatment under the law for every individual involved.
As of the time of publication, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency had not publicly responded to the coalition’s ultimatum.