MONROVIA — The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has expressed deep concern over the recent seizure of approximately US$19.2 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA), warning that the incident exposes serious vulnerabilities within Liberia’s security and border control systems.
By Patience M. Jones
In a statement issued over the weekend, WONGOSOL commended the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Joint Security and airport authorities for intercepting the narcotics shipment but stressed that the scale of the operation raises troubling questions about the country’s ability to combat transnational organized crime.
According to reports, authorities seized 198 compressed plates of cocaine concealed in six cargo boxes at Roberts International Airport on June 8.
The shipment, estimated to weigh approximately 237.6 kilograms, was reportedly destined for Europe through a commercial airline route, making it one of the largest drug seizures in Liberia’s recent history.
While praising law enforcement efforts, WONGOSOL emphasized that Liberians deserve clear answers about how such a significant quantity of narcotics was able to enter the airport’s cargo system.
“As an institution committed to justice, peacebuilding, accountability, women’s rights and sustainable national development, WONGOSOL believes that the Liberian people deserve transparency and credible answers regarding this matter,” the organization stated.
The organization noted that while several persons of interest are reportedly under investigation, authorities have yet to publicly disclose the identities or roles of individuals allegedly linked to the shipment.
WONGOSOL is questioning whether airport personnel, customs officers, cargo handlers, airline staff or organized criminal networks may have been involved in facilitating the movement of the drugs.
“Given the scale and sophistication of the operation, it is difficult to believe that such a significant quantity of narcotics could move through a major international airport without facilitation or serious security breaches,” the statement said.
The women’s advocacy group also raised concerns about Liberia potentially becoming a transit point for international drug trafficking networks operating across West Africa.
“The fact that the shipment was reportedly destined for Europe highlights concerns that Liberia may increasingly be exploited as a transit route for transnational drug cartels,” WONGOSOL warned.
According to the organization, the implications of drug trafficking extend beyond law enforcement and pose serious threats to national security, governance, public health, and social development.
WONGOSOL argued that women and children often bear the greatest burden of the social consequences associated with drug trafficking and substance abuse, including increased household insecurity, economic hardship, gender-based violence, exploitation, and youth delinquency.
“Women often bear the disproportionate burden of social instability resulting from drug abuse, while vulnerable young people become easy targets for addiction, trafficking networks, and criminal exploitation,” the statement noted.
The organization further warned that drug trafficking fuels corruption, weakens public trust in institutions, and creates opportunities for criminal networks to infiltrate state systems.
“Where illicit money thrives, accountability weakens, governance deteriorates, and impunity flourishes,” WONGOSOL said.
The organization also expressed concern that incidents of this nature could damage Liberia’s international reputation, discourage investment, and undermine confidence in the country’s security institutions.
“Liberia cannot afford to be perceived as a weak link within regional and global security systems,” the statement added.
In response to the incident, WONGOSOL is calling for a full, independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the seizure. The organization is also demanding public disclosure of all individuals found culpable, regardless of their political affiliation or social status.
Additionally, the group is urging authorities to strengthen airport cargo screening procedures, improve surveillance systems, enhance border security mechanisms, and increase coordination among the LDEA, National Security Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, Customs, Airport Security, and international partners.
The organization further called for legislative oversight and a public briefing on the case to restore confidence in national institutions.
“Liberia must not become a safe corridor for international narcotics trafficking,” WONGOSOL declared. “The fight against illicit drugs is not solely a criminal justice issue; it is a peacebuilding, governance, public health, women’s rights, and national development issue.”
WONGOSOL urged the Government of Liberia to act decisively, transparently, and without political interference, emphasizing that Liberians deserve accountability, justice, and assurance that national security institutions are effectively protecting the country.
