After US$19.2 Million Cocaine Seizure, Rep. Briggs Seeks Answers on Traffickers, Border Security

June 12, 2026

By Lazota Bility

District #6 Bong County Representative, Moima Briggs, has called for greater transparency and accountability from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) following the recent seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).

In a formal communication to the House of Representatives, Rep. Briggs urged her colleagues to invite the leadership of the LDEA to appear before Plenary and provide a comprehensive report on the seizure, the status of ongoing investigations, and the agency’s broader efforts to combat drug trafficking in Liberia.

The June 8, 2026 interception, described by the LDEA as one of the largest drug seizures in Liberia’s recent history, involved cocaine concealed in cargo boxes allegedly destined for Europe. While commending the agency for the operation, Briggs said the incident raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of Liberia’s border security, cargo screening systems, and the country’s increasing vulnerability as a transit point for international narcotics trafficking.

“I respectfully draw the attention of this Honorable Body to recent reports concerning the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport. While this operation is commendable, it raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of our border security, cargo screening systems, and Liberia’s growing vulnerability as a transit point for international drug trafficking,” she stated.

The lawmaker noted that the LDEA has benefited over the years from substantial budgetary allocations, training opportunities, logistical support, and donor assistance aimed at strengthening its capacity to fight illicit drugs. She argued that lawmakers have a responsibility to determine whether those investments are producing meaningful results.

Rep. Briggs also questioned the lack of public information regarding the individuals allegedly responsible for importing or facilitating the movement of the cocaine shipment.

“While drug seizures are often publicized, the Liberian people deserve clarity regarding the status of investigations and prosecutions associated with these cases. Concerns continue to be raised regarding the apparent absence of information about the individuals responsible for importing or facilitating the movement of these illegal substances,” she stated.

According to her, transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence in Liberia’s justice and security institutions. She stressed that while drug users are frequently arrested, publicly identified, and stigmatized, the alleged traffickers and financiers behind large-scale drug operations often remain unknown to the public.

To address these concerns, Rep. Briggs is requesting that the LDEA, Airport Security, and all joint security agencies be invited to provide Plenary with a detailed report on the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure, an update on the agency’s progress in combating drug trafficking, the status of investigations and prosecutions connected to major drug cases, and measures being implemented to strengthen border control and cargo screening across the country.

Her concerns come amid growing alarm over the impact of drug abuse on Liberian society, particularly among young people. The use of substances such as kush, marijuana, tramadol, and cocaine has been linked to addiction, mental health challenges, poor academic performance, school dropout, unemployment, crime, and insecurity. As more young people become affected, stakeholders warn that Liberia’s social and economic development is increasingly at risk.

During the debate that followed, lawmakers reportedly expressed concern over the matter. Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Bility shared a personal reflection, noting:

“Moima, this is a serious concern being raised. My son was arrested for drug-related involvement, and while I have no issue with that, the main producers and distributors are walking freely—some even appear to be protected. This is serious.”

Rep. Briggs’ communication has added to mounting public calls for accountability and stronger anti-drug measures as investigations into the multimillion-dollar cocaine seizure continue.

Following deliberations, Plenary of the House of Representatives mandated the leadership of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to appear before the House on Tuesday to provide a comprehensive report on the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure and the agency’s broader anti-drug operations.