Monrovia, Liberia – Two Liberian senators, EDWIN MELVIN SNOWE JR. and AMARA M. KONNEH, have commended the decision of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, made at the Cabinet meeting of 2 July 2026, to classify illicit drugs and substance misuse as a national security issue and emergency in Liberia.
They say that this bold move highlights the seriousness of the situation and is an essential step in addressing the concerning drug epidemic that continues to threaten communities and jeopardize the futures of innumerable young Liberians.
Given the recent $19.2 million cocaine bust at Roberts International Airport (RIA), this president’s statement is extremely significant. Our statement provoked the public hearings of the Liberian Senate, which exposed serious weaknesses in our intelligence operations, border supervision, and national security infrastructure.
“Therefore, in the interest of public confidence and institutional credibility, we demand an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation because the people of Liberia have the right to know the truth. Official silence and inaction are unacceptable when our country’s reputation and internal security are at stake. Although we applaud the executive for declaring this a national emergency, we stress that such a proclamation calls for robust, coordinated action.”
They added that the $19 million cocaine investigation must be the first step in this process, and everyone involved must be prosecuted as soon as possible to ensure they face the full consequences of the law. “It is important that the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) recruit skilled professionals and conduct transparent, non-political vetting in order to address the agency’s systemic shortcomings and current leadership crises.”
“We also emphazise how crucial it is to make sure that our security and law enforcement organizations have the resources, expert leadership, and modern technology needed to identify, stop, and disrupt illegal drug activity at all ports of entry and across the nation.”
They noted that by doing this, they reaffirm their dedication to cooperating positively with the executive branch, the legislature and Liberia’s foreign partners in order to support programs and policies that tackle every aspect of the drug problem.
They expressed gratitude to the President Pro Tempore and colleagues for their unbiased cooperation on this issue and their dedication to continuously using constitutional oversight authority to hold legally responsible, all financiers, facilitators, and internal accomplices involved in transnational drug rings.
“We urge all Liberians, families, educators, religious institutions, community leaders, youth organizations, and civil society to come together and fully support the government’s comprehensive approach, which must place a high priority on stringent enforcement and prompt rehabilitation for substance abuse victims. Together, with unity of purpose and steady commitment, we can conquer this challenge and build a safer, healthier, and more affluent Liberia for present and future generations.”
