Liberia sacks officials after record cocaine seizures worth $336 million

Liberia's President Joseph Boakai has dismissed a dozen government officials and referred several others for investigation after a series of significant drug seizures. A statement released late Thursday said the dismissals included airport operations staff and senior law enforcement supervisors.

Earlier this month, Liberian authorities seized nearly four tonnes of cocaine worth an estimated $317 million (€277 million) near Roberts International Airport. That followed another seizure in June, when about 238 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $19 million (€16.5 million) was discovered hidden among commercial cargo, including Maggi seasoning cubes, at the airport.

Boakai ordered the immediate dismissal, suspension and investigation of several officials after reviewing the latest status report on ongoing investigations into major narcotics trafficking cases. Those dismissed include the airport's deputy director for operations, the police commissioner for criminal investigation, intelligence and Interpol, and the deputy director for administration at the National Security Agency.

According to the statement, all government employees and law enforcement officers indicted in connection with the two seizures were also dismissed. This includes the airport's director of security and the deputy commander of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency at the airport. Four employees from the National Security Agency and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection have been dismissed, with their cases referred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.

Following the June seizure, Boakai launched a coordinated investigation to ensure full accountability. The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime says West Africa is a key transit hub for cocaine bound for Europe. Two weeks ago, several hundred protesters took to the streets of Monrovia demanding rapid action and charges, in a protest organised by the civic group Stand.