Liberia: Inside Liberia's Cocaine Scandal - Where the Police Became 'Suspects' - - Who Gave the Order?

What the report says

FrontPageAfrica, republished by AllAfrica, reports that Liberian authorities are investigating an alleged cocaine trafficking operation involving police officers and other state employees after two major seizures in June and July 2026. The story says nearly four tons of cocaine, described as the largest seizure in Liberia’s history, was moved toward Paynesville with escorts from Liberia National Police cruisers, according to Inspector General Gregory Coleman. Coleman identified two serving police chiefs as suspects and said they were arrested and sent to court. The report also says investigators believe money was paid after the shipment was moved, and that the case has exposed possible coordination across several agencies.

The article places the scandal in a broader timeline, noting that an internal warning about criminal infiltration of anti-narcotics work had been sent to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in 2025 but was not made public at the time. It also recounts a June 8 airport seizure of cocaine hidden in goods bound for Europe, followed by the larger July 21 bust in Paynesville that allegedly included GPS trackers, satellite equipment, diving gear, a drone and firearms.

In response, the Executive Mansion dismissed, suspended or recalled at least ten officials from institutions including the police, the airport authority, the National Security Agency and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency. The story says the personnel moves reflect a widening probe that could reach back several years and involves people appointed under the previous administration. The case matters because it raises questions about corruption inside Liberia’s security services and the state’s ability to confront international drug trafficking.