Africa-Press – Liberia. Senator Darius Dillon has called on the Senate to summon the Minister of Justice, the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority, and the Director of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency following the acquittal of all suspects in the high-profile US$100 million cocaine bust case.
In a letter addressed to Senate Pro-Tempore Albert Chie, Senator Dillon expressed deep concern over the outcome of the trial and the implications it has for the country’s fight against drug trafficking.
The case, which involved the discovery and seizure of a significant quantity of illegal cocaine valued at over $100 million from the TRH Business Center in Monrovia, garnered widespread attention both domestically and internationally. A subsequent seizure of an additional $40 million worth of drugs from the same establishment further underscored the gravity of the situation.
The suspects arrested in connection with the drug bust were accused of being traffickers, smugglers, and importers of illicit substances through the Freeport of Monrovia. However, following a jury trial, all defendants were declared “Not Guilty” by the impaneled 12-member jury and set free.
Senator Dillon emphasized the serious nature of the case, its implications for national security, and the concerns it has raised among the public. He stressed that the verdict undermines the collective efforts to combat drugs and exposes Liberia to international ridicule.
Highlighting Article 34 (b) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which grants the Legislature the power and authority to ensure the security of the Republic, Senator Dillon called upon his fellow lawmakers to take action. He emphasized that drug trafficking and smuggling pose significant threats to the country and its people, as evidenced by recent drug busts and the rising number of citizens, particularly young people, falling victim to drug addiction and substance abuse.
In light of these concerns, Senator Dillon requested the endorsement of the Senate to summon the Minister of Justice, Director of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Commissioner-General of the Liberia Revenue Agency (LRA), along with other relevant state security authorities. The purpose of summoning these officials is to investigate the circumstances surrounding the acquittal in the cocaine bust case and to determine appropriate legislative measures or actions that may be necessary.
The Senate Pro-Tempore and other senators are now expected to deliberate on Senator Dillon’s request and decide whether to summon the aforementioned officials. The outcome of these deliberations will be eagerly awaited by the public and international partners, as Liberia’s response to drug trafficking and its commitment to combating the drug trade hang in the balance.
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