Africa-Press. The President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, has dismissed 12 government officials and referred several others for investigation following significant drug seizures in recent months that have sparked public outrage and calls for stricter measures to combat drug trafficking.
Boakai announced the dismissal of officials holding various positions, including management of airport operations and supervisory roles in law enforcement agencies.
The dismissal decisions came after weeks of authorities executing the largest drug seizure in Liberia’s history, where approximately four tons of cocaine, valued at around $317 million, were confiscated.
The operation took place on the road leading to Roberts International Airport, located about 30 kilometers from the capital, Monrovia.
This was preceded in June by another operation that resulted in the seizure of about 238 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $19 million, which had been hidden within a regular commercial shipment that included food seasoning cubes.
A statement from the presidency indicated that Boakai ordered the “immediate dismissal and suspension from duty and investigation of several government officials and law enforcement personnel” after reviewing the latest report on ongoing investigations into major drug trafficking cases.
The dismissals included the deputy director of airport operations, the police commissioner for criminal investigations and intelligence, and the deputy director of the national security agency.
The president also decided to dismiss all government employees and law enforcement personnel who were accused in connection with the drug seizures.
The list included the airport security director and the deputy head of the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency at the airport.
Additionally, the president dismissed four employees working in the national security agency and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, referring their cases to the Ministry of Justice for legal action.
Following the first seizure in June, Boakai had ordered a coordinated investigation to ensure accountability for all involved according to the law.
The recent drug seizures have garnered widespread attention within Liberia, with social media users, political commentators, and media outlets focusing on the increasing drug trafficking activities, demanding greater scrutiny of public officials and expedited investigations.
Two weeks ago, Monrovia witnessed a protest involving hundreds of demonstrators, called by the civil society organization “Stand,” who demanded swift action and charges against those involved without delay.
Reports from international agencies indicate that West African countries serve as a major transit point for cocaine produced in Latin America before it is trafficked to consumer markets in Europe, making the region one of the most notorious routes for international drug trafficking.
