The opposition Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) has questioned the Boakai administration’s handling of Liberia’s recent US$19 million drug seizure, alleging delays and lack of transparency two weeks after the bust.
The party is calling on the international community to impose sanctions if the investigation is not concluded within 14 days. The concerns were raised during the weekend by MPC Political Leader during a press conference in Monrovia, where the party laid out what it described as gaps in the government’s response.
According to the MPC, days after the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) announced a drug seizure initially valued at US$50 million, later revised to $19 million, the Attorney General stated that releasing names of suspects would compromise the investigation.
However, the MPC claims the Attorney General “hurriedly revealed the name of the whistleblower,” a move the party says put the individual’s safety at risk. The Attorney General has not publicly commented on this specific allegation as of press time.
The MPC argued that standard international practice in drug interdictions typically yields key details such as consignee, consignor, destination, handling facilities, and courier methods. The party noted that airports are usually protected with CCTV cameras and scanners, which should provide investigative leads.
“Several days later, the Attorney General, though unwilling to compromise the integrity of his investigation, announces the obvious types of information and sources associated with a drug bust. No arrests have been made,” the MPC leader said.
The party is demanding answers to: how the drugs entered Liberia, whether there were prior successful shipments, and who the alleged facilitators are. It noted that with no arrests made two weeks after the seizure, public confidence in the probe is eroding.
That President Boakai is “unserious” about the investigation, citing the announcement of “persons of interest” after two weeks without arrests or more shipment details.
That the party “strongly believes” an unbudgeted $10 million mansion in Foya is funded by illegal drug money, though it provided no documentation to support the claim. Funding sources for the Foya property remain publicly unclear.
The MPC has at the same time, issued three recommendations including, drug destruction, questioned why seized narcotics have not yet been publicly destroyed arguing that storage by “untrusted individuals pose security risks.
On the MPC’s call for sanctions, Freeman urged the international community to sanction President Boakai, Vice President Koung, and top officials, including asset seizures, if the investigation is not concluded within 14 days.
On the issue of national interest over party interest, Freeman noted that said, “This is no time for party loyalty as Liberia’s image as a potential drug transit hub is at stake.
President Boakai has publicly condemned drug trafficking and pledged prosecution “without fear or favor,” describing the bust as “a victory for Liberia.” The Attorney General previously stated that disclosing suspect names prematurely could compromise the investigation’s integrity.
Supporters of the administration argue that complex narcotics cases require time for evidence gathering and that premature disclosures could jeopardize prosecutions. The LDEA and Ministry of Justice have yet to release a detailed update on arrests or findings.
The MPC said it will monitor developments and mobilize citizens if it perceives delays. Civil society groups have also called for regular briefings from justice and security agencies as the probe continues. As of press time, the Ministry of Justice, LDEA, and the President’s office had not issued a direct response to the MPC’s latest statements or the 14-day sanction ultimatum.
