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THE MOVE BY THE MINISTER of Justice to invite independent international bodies with the sophistication to help Liberia in the 19.2 million drugs case is a welcoming news. The Minister is a patriot and a man with clear heart and vision. This latest move by honorable Justice Minister to invite the American government is an effort in a right direction.
THE JUSTICE MINISTER WITH clear heart has shown effort gear towards the redemption of national image building, because from all indications, this 19.2 million drugs saga has damaged the image of the nation-state, Liberia.
HISTORY HAS IT THAT IN the year 1930, 96 years after, a sitting president and his vice president were charged and convicted of Human Trafficking by investigators form the League of nations.
CHARLES DUNBAR BURGESS King's presidency in Liberia was marked by both significant achievements and several controversies. His administration secured a major rubber concession with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, which provided economic relief and infrastructure development. However, his tenure ended in 1930 after a League of Nations investigation revealed widespread forced labor practices, implicating high officials including King and Vice President Allen Yancy. King's presidency is best known for a string of political scandals and economic setbacks, including a sham presidential election in 1927. His resignation in 1930 was in disgrace, and he retired from seeking higher office thereafter until his death. King's legacy remains controversial due to the forced labor scandal that led to his downfall.
TODAY, 96 YEARS AFTER PRESIDENT King-Yancy administration was forcibly removed from office for human trafficking, another Liberian government is faced with similar trafficking allegation, but this time borders on drugs. It is not yet known if the government is guilty, that depends on the results of the independent investigation. Whether or not President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and his vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung will be forcefully removed from office like in the case of King-Yancy remains to be seen.
WE ACKNOWLEDGED THE GOVERNMENT of Liberia’s explanation that Liberia’s law enforcement and criminal justice institutions face major technical and operational obstacles when investigating highly organized transnational crime as there is a need for advanced investigative techniques, specialized forensic tools, modern equipment, intelligence sharing, and sustained international collaboration to effectively dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal drug trafficking.
THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE HAS intensified international engagement over Liberia’s ongoing US$19 million narcotics investigation, with Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh holding talks with the United States Embassy in Monrovia aimed at strengthening investigative capacity and ensuring the case meets international legal standards.
THIS HAS BEEN THE CALL of many Liberians because the government cannot be the referee and a player in the same case. Calling independent stakeholders will add more value to the outcome of the investigation.
WE APPRECIATE THE MEETING held on Friday, July 3, 2026, between Minister Tweh and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny, which has comes amid growing public attention surrounding the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA) and ongoing investigations into an alleged transnational drug trafficking network.
ACCORDING TO THE MINISTRY of Justice, the discussions focused on the government’s commitment to conducting a professional, independent, and legally compliant investigation while working with international partners to confront the growing threat of organized narcotics trafficking.
THE MEETING FORMED PART of the Government of Liberia’s continuing engagement with international partners to ensure that this investigation is conducted professionally, independently, and in accordance with the law.
WE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WELCOME the engagement as it underscores Liberia’s reliance on international cooperation as authorities attempt to unravel what security officials describe as a complex criminal operation involving sophisticated methods, international links, and significant logistical challenges.
