By George K. Momo
MONROVIA, June 18 (LINA) – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), has acknowledged heightened public interest surrounding the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million at the Roberts International Airport, (RI) on June 8, 2026.
In recognition of the magnitude of the seizure, its potential transnational dimensions, and possible links to organized criminal networks, the National Security Council has elevated the matter to a Joint National Security Investigation.
The investigation is being coordinated by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and the Liberia National Police, with operational support from the National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, Customs Authorities, Airport Security, Ministry of Justice, and other relevant security institutions.
This decision, according to the LDEA, reflects the Government of Liberia’s determination to treat the matter not simply as a narcotics case, but as a significant national security threat with potential implications for border security, international aviation, financial integrity, public safety, and Liberia’s standing within the international community.
The Agency said it is aware of growing calls on social media for the immediate publication of names of individuals believed to be connected to the shipment, but stated that while acknowledging that public interest in transparency and accountability is legitimate, investigators warned that premature disclosure could compromise the probe.
“Premature disclosure of the identities of persons of interest, suspects, cooperating witnesses, or individuals under active investigation could tip off additional suspects, facilitate the destruction or concealment of evidence, interfere with intelligence gathering efforts, compromise international law-enforcement cooperation, prejudice future prosecutions, and place investigators, witnesses, and other individuals at risk.
Such actions could ultimately undermine efforts to dismantle the entire criminal enterprise behind the transnational trafficking operation,” the LDEA boss noted.
He disclosed that investigations to date indicate that the consignment was transported to the Roberts International Airport for shipment on Friday, June 5, 2026, by an individual identified as Emmanuel Zeon.
He further said that Zeon reportedly departed the scene shortly after delivering the cargo to the airport warehouse for export through Brussels Airlines and is currently being pursued by law enforcement authorities.
Biago added that several individuals and institutions involved in the shipment process, including shipping agencies, airport personnel, security officers, and other relevant parties, continue to cooperate with investigators as part of an extensive, multidimensional inquiry.
He indicated that investigative actions are ongoing and several leads are being actively pursued.
The LDEA Boss pointed out that the Joint Security Team noted that it is aggressively pursuing all investigative leads, including the identification of financiers, facilitators, logistical coordinators, corrupt enablers, and any domestic or international actors connected to the shipment.
“The investigation is focused not only on those directly linked to the seized narcotics but also on identifying and dismantling the broader criminal network responsible for financing, coordinating, facilitating, and attempting to exploit Liberia’s transportation and security infrastructure for illicit purposes,” DCP Biago said.
The LDEA Officer-In-Charge indicated that the Government of Liberia recognized that Roberts International Airport is a critical national asset and gateway to international commerce, tourism, investment, and travel.
He intimated that the investigation seeks not only to hold offenders accountable but also to protect the integrity of Liberia’s aviation and security systems, preserve public confidence, and reassure international partners that Liberia remains committed to combating transnational organized crime.
He said Liberians and the international community can rest assure that the government through the LDEA will ensure that no individual, regardless of position, status, influence, affiliation, or institutional connection will be shielded from investigation or exempted from the full weight of the law adding that where sufficient evidence exists, arrests will be made, charges will be filed, and prosecutions will be pursued without fear, favor, or exception.