MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his administration’s hardline stance against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, declaring that no individual will be shielded from justice as government intensifies its response to Liberia’s worsening narcotics crisis following the reported US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport.
President Boakai made the remarks on Thursday, July 2, 2026, while chairing the 22nd Cabinet Meeting at the Executive Mansion, where senior government officials gathered under the theme “Combating the Drug Epidemic: A Responsive Agenda.” The meeting focused on strengthening Liberia’s national response to drug abuse, trafficking networks, and public health consequences linked to narcotics.
The session brought together officials from key institutions, including the Ministry of Health and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), as government seeks to build a more coordinated and aggressive national strategy to confront drug-related crimes.
Describing drug trafficking and substance abuse as one of the most urgent threats to Liberia’s national security and future stability, President Boakai stressed that the fight requires unity, discipline, and sustained political will across all arms of government.
“This fight against drugs is one of the highest priorities of this government,” Boakai said, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting young people from the devastating impact of narcotics.
The President reminded Cabinet members that early in his administration, both he and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung publicly took drug tests as a demonstration of leadership by example and accountability in the fight against substance abuse.
Referencing the recent US$19 million cocaine seizure, President Boakai issued a firm warning that the government will pursue all individuals connected to the case without exception.
“No matter who is involved or what position they hold, nobody will be spared,” the President declared, signaling intensified action against suspected trafficking networks.
His statement comes amid heightened public concern and growing pressure on security institutions to deliver swift and transparent results in major drug-related investigations, particularly those involving alleged transnational criminal operations.
President Boakai urged all government institutions to strengthen coordination in combating narcotics, warning that fragmented efforts could undermine national progress in addressing the crisis.
He emphasized that the fight against drugs is not only a law enforcement responsibility but a national struggle requiring collaboration across all sectors of society.
“The future of this country depends on our collective resolve to protect it from drugs,” Boakai said, calling on ministers and agency heads to ensure that policy directives are translated into measurable action.
The 22nd Cabinet Meeting forms part of ongoing executive-level engagements aimed at reviewing governance priorities, strengthening institutional performance, and addressing emerging national security concerns, with drug control now firmly positioned as one of the administration’s top policy priorities.
