**Liberian Authorities Seize Nearly Four Metric Tons of Cocaine in Historic Bust**
Liberia has made headlines with its largest-ever drug bust, seizing approximately 3,971 kilograms of cocaine valued at over $317 million. The significant haul was discovered on Tuesday during a court-authorized search of a property located in Duazon, a community in Margibi County, just outside the capital city of Monrovia. This location is situated along the highway leading to Roberts International Airport.
The operation led to the detention of two foreign nationals: one Serbian and another individual who holds Colombian and Spanish citizenship. Their identities have not been disclosed to protect the ongoing investigation, as confirmed by Liberian Justice Minister and Attorney General Oswald Tweh during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Minister Tweh emphasized the government's commitment to holding accountable anyone involved in the drug trafficking operation, regardless of their nationality or status. "Any individual, regardless of nationality, position, or status against whom credible and visible evidence is established will be held accountable," he stated.
The raid was a result of intelligence gathered from an extensive investigation into transnational drug trafficking networks operating within Liberia. Minister Tweh indicated that evidence suggests the existence of a "sophisticated, complex, and well-funded narcotics trafficking network" that may have been active in the country for over six years. Investigators are currently working to trace the cocaine's origin, ownership, transportation methods, and intended destination, while also examining potential domestic and international networks involved in the operation.
In addition to the cocaine, law enforcement officials recovered a variety of items during the search, including diving suits, a firearm, GPS tracking devices, a drone, and Starlink satellite internet equipment. These items are now undergoing forensic examination to aid in the investigation.
This recent operation marks a significant escalation in Liberia's fight against drug trafficking. It follows a previous seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $19 million, at Roberts International Airport last month. That shipment was reportedly disguised as food seasoning, leading to the arrest of five suspects who have since been charged. Additionally, in October 2022, authorities confiscated 520 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $100 million from a cold-storage facility near Monrovia’s seaport, which had arrived in a container shipped from Brazil.
West Africa, particularly Liberia, has become a crucial transit point for cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe. According to a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, approximately 30% of the cocaine intended for European markets passes through this region.
The situation in neighboring Nigeria further highlights the scale of the drug trafficking issue in West Africa. Recently, 11 Indian sailors were convicted for their involvement in a drug operation that resulted in the seizure of 31.5 kilograms of cocaine from their vessel. In November, Nigerian anti-narcotics authorities confiscated one ton of cocaine valued at $235 million, and in May, they dismantled a methamphetamine laboratory containing drugs and chemicals valued at $363 million, marking the country's largest drug seizure by value.
As Liberia continues to confront the challenges posed by drug trafficking, the recent seizure serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against organized crime in the region. The authorities are expected to intensify their efforts to dismantle these networks and hold accountable those involved in the illicit drug trade.