MONROVIA – The Ministry of Justice has intensified international engagement over Liberia’s ongoing US$19 million narcotics investigation, with Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh holding talks with the United States Embassy in Monrovia aimed at strengthening investigative capacity and ensuring the case meets international legal standards.
The meeting, held on Friday, July 3, 2026, between Minister Tweh and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny, comes amid growing public attention surrounding the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA) and ongoing investigations into an alleged transnational drug trafficking network.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the discussions focused on the government’s commitment to conducting a professional, independent, and legally compliant investigation while working with international partners to confront the growing threat of organized narcotics trafficking.
“The meeting formed part of the Government of Liberia’s continuing engagement with international partners to ensure that this investigation is conducted professionally, independently, and in accordance with the law,” the Ministry stated.
The engagement underscores Liberia’s reliance on international cooperation as authorities attempt to unravel what security officials describe as a complex criminal operation involving sophisticated methods, international links, and significant logistical challenges.
During the discussions, the Ministry of Justice acknowledged that Liberia’s law enforcement and criminal justice institutions face major technical and operational obstacles when investigating highly organized transnational crime.
The Ministry highlighted the need for advanced investigative techniques, specialized forensic tools, modern equipment, intelligence sharing, and sustained international collaboration to effectively dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal drug trafficking.
The U.S. Embassy representative, according to the Ministry, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts by enhancing the country’s investigative and technical capabilities.
The support, the Ministry said, is expected to strengthen the ability of Liberian authorities to conduct evidence-based investigations consistent with international standards and improve the country’s ability to prosecute complex narcotics cases.
The development comes as the Liberia National Police and other security agencies continue pursuing suspects connected to the June 8 cocaine interception at Roberts International Airport in Margibi County.
Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman previously disclosed that authorities believe the seizure was not an isolated smuggling attempt but part of a broader organized criminal network that exploited the country’s air cargo system.
The investigation has already resulted in charges against multiple suspects, including Bellamaal (Paul Jamaal) King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS), who was forwarded to the Monrovia City Court on multiple drug-related offenses.
As the investigation expands, the Ministry of Justice said it remains committed to transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and protecting Liberia’s national security while working with international partners to combat illicit drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
The engagement with the United States comes at a critical moment for Liberia’s justice and security institutions, which are under increasing public pressure to ensure that the US$19 million cocaine case is thoroughly investigated and that all individuals found responsible are held accountable under the law.
