Questions Grow Over US$19 Million Cocaine Seizure as Cllr. Yeakula Presses Government for Answers

Monrovia, Liberia: Liberian lawyer and public commentator Cllr. Moriah Yeakula has raised concerns over what she describes as the government's silence surrounding the recent seizure of cocaine reportedly valued at US$19 million, calling for greater transparency and accountability from authorities.

By: Emmanuel P. George Sr.

In a public statement made on her social media handle, Yeakula argued that the scale of the drug shipment suggests the involvement of a sophisticated international trafficking network and questioned whether influential individuals may have facilitated its movement through Liberia.

According to her, the cocaine was not produced in Liberia but was allegedly imported into the country and prepared for export to another destination through Brussels, making the case one of transnational drug trafficking.

"To move that quantity of drugs from country to country is only possible when persons in positions of power, influence and authority in each country are involved," Yeakula said, adding that such operations often rely on individuals whose authority is rarely challenged.

She noted that major drug trafficking cases frequently result in lower-level actors being prosecuted while the alleged masterminds remain unidentified.

Drawing comparisons with Liberia's 2022 cocaine seizure at the Freeport of Monrovia, Yeakula recalled that four individuals arrested in connection with the shipment were later acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

She said the outcome of that case left many questions unanswered and contributed to public skepticism about the handling of major narcotics investigations.

"The difference with this US$19 million shipment is that, unlike the 2022 case where the drugs were reportedly being stored, this consignment had already been packaged as cargo and was awaiting export," she stated.

Yeakula called on the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other authorities to disclose details surrounding the seizure, including the origin of the drugs, their intended destination, where they were stored in Liberia, and the identities of those responsible.

She also questioned why the shipment was intercepted in Liberia if it was already en route to another country, suggesting that international law enforcement agencies could have been allowed to track the operation further.

"Why was it intercepted? Why was that link broken in Liberia? Who ordered the confiscation? Why are names being withheld?" she asked.

The lawyer warned that prolonged silence from the government could fuel speculation and misinformation, potentially harming the reputations of individuals whose names may be circulated without evidence.

She said transparency is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring accountability in a democratic society.

"Liberians deserve answers from their government," Yeakula said. "A government must be accountable and transparent to its people. That's the hallmark of good governance and a thriving democracy."

As of press time, authorities had not publicly responded to the concerns raised by Yeakula regarding the investigation.