Liberian authorities have charged five individuals following the seizure of over 200 kilograms of cocaine at the international airport in Monrovia, according to police officials.
The drugs, with an estimated street value of $19 million, were discovered on June 8 after being falsely declared as Maggi seasoning cubes.
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Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman described the operation as a serious transnational trafficking scheme using Liberia's aviation and logistics systems.
Investigators found evidence linking the cargo to a previous shipment handled in May, suggesting systematic complicity by the logistics firm involved.
The operations manager of that firm is currently in custody in Monrovia, while international arrest warrants are being processed through Interpol for other suspects who fled the country.
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President Joseph Boakai stated that Liberia will not be used as a safe haven or transit point for criminal networks engaged in narcotics trafficking.
The suspects' identities were withheld until an official press briefing, following a delay that sparked parliamentary debate and public scrutiny over potential interference.
This seizure is one of the largest in Liberia's history, coming after a 2022 interception at the Monrovia seaport where 520 kilograms of cocaine worth $100 million were found.
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West Africa continues to see increased activity from international smuggling rings exploiting regional logistics networks.
