Over $19 Million Worth Cocaine Seized At Roberts International Airport

Margibi, Liberia: Illegal drug smuggling remains a major issue in Liberia with dozens of citizens particularly the youths hugely affected by illegal substances.

Over the years, the Liberian government has been unable to put in place measures that will curtail or deter the importation, distribution and use of illegal substances across the country.

Many citizens have accused the government of protecting major drug cartels due to top government officials interests and connections with drug Lords.

Research have shown that about 15 to 20% of Liberian youths are hugely affected by drug abuse.

Despite these raising effect of drugs on the Liberian society, smugglers are still finding ways into Liberia due to porous borders and government lack of measures to properly detect hidden drugs carried either on aircrafts, cars or boats.

Seizure of a major cocaine consignment valued at over US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), was announced by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency on Tuesday June 8, 2026.

These narcotics are said to have been discovered during the early morning hours of Monday, June 7, 2026, following a targeted operation at the country’s main international airport.

LDEA Officer in charge Fitzgerald Biago who confirmed confiscation during a press conference on Tuesday June 8 said the “persons of interest have been identified” in connection with the shipment. 

According to him, a full-scale investigation is now underway to determine the origin of the drugs and dismantle the network behind the attempted import.

The bust remain “one of the largest drug interceptions” at RIA in recent years. 

Citizens over the years have called for reboust fight against smuggling and use in Liberia following several promises made by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency to closely work with other security agencies and international partners to track drug syndicates.

No arrests have been publicly announced in the over USD 19 million drug confiscation at the Roberts International Airport.