By Chiedi E.Nyenmoh
MONROVIA, Aug. 16 (LINA) – The Government of Liberia has shown commitment in combating illicit drugs, by dismantling drug trafficking networks, prosecuting cartels and expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation in a bid to promote the well-being of Liberia.
Faced with a complex and multifaceted challenge of reducing drug usage and trafficking, the fight against illegal substances remains a major challenge for the government of Liberia, however, the level of commitment shown by the government in recent times is an indication that it is tightening its grip on muscling drug cartels and criminal networks.
In an interview with citizens across Monrovia, the Liberia News Agency (LINA) encountered Mr. Nelson Sackor, a resident of Bardnesville, Kebbah and a father of four boys who he said are in the streets because of drug usage. He told LINA Tuesday, August 11 2026 that the usage and trafficking of drugs has affected the sustainable development of youth, stressing that criminal networks involved in drug trafficking continue to undermine national security and exploit societal vulnerabilities.
According to Sackor, it is crucial to critically analyze the Liberia government’s approach to drug abuse, considering the gravity of the issue, noting that it is essential to evaluate current policies and their effectiveness in addressing the problem.
He also applauded the government for taking tremendous steps in fighting to reduce drug usage and prosecuting members of the criminal cartel adding that the government of President Boakai is one of its kind.
“For a sitting President to order arrest, prosecution and dismissal of his own appointed officials of government means that we never voted wrong. We never voted a taking side and covering-up President, if I will be eligible to vote again, I will vote this same old man,” Sackor stated.
Madam Cecelia Tugbeh, a marketer at the Kebbah market in Bardnesville also told LINA that she is satisfied with the way in which the President and the Justice system is carrying out the prosecution and investigation of those linked to the spreading of drugs in the country.
Madam Cecelia pointed out that the trafficking of drugs recently in Liberia is a huge wake-up call to everyone, suggesting that all those who will be found guilty of trafficking drugs should be sentenced to life imprisonment.
“I have a relative’s child that is living in the graveyard, he is the only son of my cousin, and his mother is dying slowly of depression, those people that are bringing drugs into this country are destroying our children, our good children have turn into zogos, they do not bath, they do not brush their teeth, this drugs issues need to be taken seriously,” she said.
It can be recalled in July 2026 the joint-security forces conducted a raid on a suspected illegal storage facility near Monrovia, specifically in the Paynesville area, uncovering 3,971 kilograms (nearly four tons) of processed cocaine with an estimated street value of US$317-$370 million.
This seizure according to authorities is the largest in Liberia history, however, the government has taken a bold and proactive approach to address the drugs crisis following the significant drug seizure.
The government response has been met with public pressure, particularly from civil society groups and community organizations urging the government to disclose the identities of individuals connected to the drug seizures.
This has sparked a national debate over transparency and accountability with some arguing that if the government is intentional about dismantling organized drug trafficking networks it must go beyond just arrest and focus more on holding perpetrators accountable.
Earlier, the President described the proliferation of drugs as “an attack on our future” and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to safeguard Liberia’s youth, communities and future generation from the scourge of substance abuse.
“We cannot allow the spread of illicit drugs to turn our children into victims, our communities into ghettos and our neighborhoods into shelters for criminal elements,” the President stated.