Liberia Seizes Largest Ever Cocaine Haul in Record — Breaking Operation BODY: Monrovia, Liberia – July 22, 2026 In a groundbreaking operation, Liberian law enforcement authorities have apprehended a colossal 3,971 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $318 million, from a concealed storage facility in Paynesville, a suburb of the capital city, Monrovia. This discovery, nearly 17 times heavier than Liberia’s previous largest cocaine seizure, underscores the nation’s role as a pivotal transit hub for drugs traversing West Africa.
The July 22, 2026, seizure, led by the Liberian National Police, was the result of a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking networks that have been active in Liberia since 2018.
The country’s vulnerable borders and weak security infrastructure have long made it a favored route for drug traffickers. Forensic tests conducted on the seized substance confirmed it as cocaine.
The Liberian National Police chief, Gregory Coleman, highlighted this as the largest drugs seizure in the country’s history, a milestone for Liberia’s anti-drug efforts. Among those detained were two foreign men, one in possession of a firearm. Vice-President Jeremiah Koung hailed the security forces for their efforts and emphasized that anyone found responsible for drug trafficking would face the full weight of the law, regardless of their identity.
Despite the significant seizure, key questions remain.
The origins and intended destination of the cocaine have not yet been clarified.
The legal charges to be filed against the arrested individuals are also unknown. This seizure is not an isolated incident.
The incident at Liberia’s Roberts International Airport, where security staff intercepted nearly 200 compressed blocks of cocaine in cargo boxes falsely labeled as food seasoning and textiles, and subsequent charges and warrants, indicate a growing challenge within the country.
The United Nations has warned of the increasing sophistication of trafficking networks in the region, with at least 30% of cocaine destined for Europe now passing through West Africa.
The success of this operation may serve as a blueprint for future anti — drug initiatives.
The focus now shifts to enhancing Liberia’s security infrastructure and law enforcement capabilities to tackle the deeper issues that make it a transit point for drugs.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
