Monrovia — The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has called for calm, justice and due process as authorities investigate two major cocaine seizures valued at more than US$336 million, warning that Liberia’s escalating drug crisis must not become another source of political division.
In a statement issued by its President, Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves Jr., who also serves as Vice President of the Inter-religious Council of Liberia, the LCC said the discovery of the two massive consignments between June and July 2026 points to the possibility of a well-organized drug trafficking network operating within the country.
The Council said the seizures — reportedly involving cocaine valued at about US$19 million and US$317 million — have heightened public concern and demonstrated the urgency of a coordinated national response.
“These seizures … point to the disturbing possibility of a well-organized drug trafficking network or criminal syndicate operating within our borders,” the Council said.
The LCC said Liberians have for years witnessed the devastating consequences of substance abuse, particularly among young people, and noted that both former President George Manneh Weah and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. have recognized the seriousness of the national drug problem.
But the latest seizures, the Council said, have brought the crisis to a new level.
‘Let Justice Be Done Without Fear or Favor’
The church body expressed concern over the reported arrests of individuals who have held key positions in past and present governments, saying the developments have deepened public anxiety and raised legitimate questions about the direction of the investigation.
The LCC, however, cautioned against rushing to judgment.
It called on the government, Legislature, Judiciary, Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and other relevant institutions to conduct their work transparently and within the law.
“Let investigations be thorough and impartial. Let arrests be lawful. Let prosecutions proceed without fear or favor,” the Council said, while insisting that the due-process rights of every accused person must be protected.
The Council stressed that no person should be condemned solely on the basis of an accusation, while equally warning that political affiliation, wealth, social status, official position or personal connections should not shield anyone from accountability.
“No individual should be condemned merely on the basis of accusation. At the same time, no person—regardless of political affiliation, social status, wealth, position, or connections—should be above the law,” it said.
The LCC also warned against politicizing the investigation, saying the drug crisis threatens Liberians regardless of tribe, county, religion, social class or political affiliation.
Church Calls for Rehabilitation, Jobs for Youth
Beyond law enforcement, the Council urged the government to significantly expand investments in drug prevention, rehabilitation, education, mental-health and social support, skills training and job creation for vulnerable young people.
It also called on parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs and create environments where young people can seek help without fear, stigma or shame.
“The Church must be a place of healing, restoration, hope, and compassion—not judgment,” the statement said.
The Council urged churches, mosques, schools, civil society groups, traditional leaders, youth organizations and communities to intensify efforts against substance abuse.
Three Immediate Commitments
The LCC outlined several immediate actions in response to the crisis.
They include conducting national prayers against substance abuse and for Liberia’s healing in congregations, training 500 church leaders in drug prevention and awareness by December 2026, and partnering with relevant stakeholders to establish three community-based rehabilitation hubs during 2026.
The Council said the initiatives are intended to complement government enforcement efforts with prevention, rehabilitation and community-based intervention.
‘Liberia Stands at a Crossroads’
The LCC described the current moment as a crossroads for Liberia, saying the country can either allow the drug crisis to become another painful chapter in its history or use the crisis as an opportunity for sustained national action.
“Substance abuse destroys lives. It breaks families. It robs young people of their futures. It fuels crime and insecurity. It undermines communities and threatens national development,” the Council warned.
The church body called on Liberians to confront the crisis with “truth, justice, compassion, accountability, and a commitment to restoration,” rather than hatred or vengeance.
It also urged national leaders and citizens to ensure that the ongoing investigation becomes a point of national unity rather than another dividing line in Liberian society.
The Council concluded with a call for Liberia to stand united against drugs, while praying for justice, healing and the protection of the country’s young people.
“May Liberia rise united against the scourge of drugs. May justice prevail. May our young people live. And may God bless the Republic of Liberia,” Rev. Reeves said.
