The Government of Liberia has announced what it described as the largest narcotics seizure in the nation’s history, recovering nearly four metric tons of suspected cocaine worth an estimated US$317.68 million during a raid in Duazon, Margibi County.
Speaking Wednesday on behalf of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Cllr Osward Tweh said the bust marks a breakthrough in an investigation into a “sophisticated, well-funded, transnational narcotics network” believed to have operated in Liberia for more than six years.
According to the Justice Minister, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering. On Monday, July 20, 2026, several persons of interest were arrested. Their interrogation led investigators to a property in the VOA Community along the RIA Highway in Duazon.
Acting on a search warrant, security forces on Tuesday, July 21 at 9:00 a.m. uncovered 3,971 kilograms of processed plates of suspected cocaine. The drugs have since been secured as evidence pending laboratory testing.
Foreign Nationals, High-Tech Equipment Recovered
The Attorney General confirmed the arrest of two foreign nationals, one Serbian citizen and another with dual Colombian and Spanish citizenship. Their identities are being withheld to protect the investigation.
Security also seized sophisticated equipment allegedly used in the trafficking operation, including diving suits, a firearm, GPS devices, a drone, and Starlink satellite internet equipment. All items are undergoing forensic examination.
“The investigation has revealed an organized, complex and well-funded narcotics trafficking network with deep operational roots in Liberia,” the Minister stated.
Meanwhile, it has been disclosed that in line with the Amended Controlled Drug and Substance Act of 2023, the Government of Liberia has announced plans to confiscate the Duazon property allegedly used for the drug operation and the vehicle used to transport the drugs.
Minister Tweh noted that if the house in Duazon was used in the commission of offenses under the Amended Controlled Drug and Substance Act of 2023, it will be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the Government of Liberia, as provided for under said Act. He added that the vehicle used to transport the drugs will likewise be confiscated and forfeited.
The Minister disclosed that the residence of Mr. Paul King on V.P. Road, where cocaine seized on June 8, 2026 was allegedly stored before being moved to RIA, will also be confiscated as announced by the government.
Authorities say they will collaborate with international law enforcement to trace the origin, routes, and financiers of the network. While cautioning the public against speculation, the Justice Minister insisted that no one of nationality, political influence, or social standing will be shielded from prosecution.
Minister Tweh described narcotics trafficking as a direct threat to national security that fuels corruption and destroys Liberia’s youth. Citizens were urged to report suspicious wealth and activities, with guarantees of witness protection.
“Justice is not measured by the speed of the investigation, but by the rigor of lawful investigations and the integrity of prosecutions,” the Attorney General declared. He concluded that the Task Force will arrest more suspected individuals and charge them as the probe continues.
