Liberia seizes nearly four tonnes of cocaine in country’s biggest drug bust

Liberian authorities have seized 3,971kg of cocaine, the Justice Ministry announced, in what officials described as the West African nation’s largest-ever drug bust. Two foreign nationals were detained and investigators say the operation uncovered signs of an organised international trafficking network.

Raid uncovered nearly four tonnes of cocaine

The haul was found on Tuesday during a court-authorised search of a property in Duazon in Margibi County, located outside the capital Monrovia along the highway to Roberts International Airport. The Justice Ministry put the weight of the seizure at 3,971kg and a value of more than $317 million.

Suspects detained, investigation ongoing

Two foreign nationals one Serbian and another holding Colombian and Spanish citizenship were detained and are assisting investigators, Justice Minister and Attorney General Oswald Tweh told reporters. Their names were withheld to protect the investigation.

“Any individual regardless of nationality, position, or status against whom credible and visible evidence is established will be held accountable,”

Tweh said the raid followed intelligence gathered during an investigation into transnational drug trafficking. Authorities said the inquiry has uncovered evidence of an “organized, sophisticated, complex and well-funded narcotics trafficking network” that may have operated in Liberia for more than six years.

Items recovered and forensic work

Officers recovered a range of items at the site, including diving suits, a firearm, GPS tracking devices, a drone and Starlink satellite internet equipment. Officials said these items are undergoing forensic examination.

Wider context and recent seizures

The ministry said investigators are examining the drugs’ origin, ownership, transportation method and intended destination, as well as possible domestic and international networks, financial transactions and logistical support.

The operation follows a 237.6kg seizure at Roberts International Airport last month, which authorities said had been disguised as food seasoning and led to five suspects being charged. In October 2022, officials seized 520kg of cocaine at a cold-storage facility near Monrovia’s seaport; that shipment had arrived in a container from Brazil.

Regional reporting notes that West Africa is a major transit corridor for cocaine trafficked from South America, and a recent Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime report cited by the ministry said at least 30% of the cocaine destined for European markets passes through the region.