A joint security operation has raided a stash house in Duazon, arresting a Colombian and a Spanish national in the first foreign arrests to emerge from the monthlong investigation into July’s US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport. Several Liberians are also in custody. The full quantity of drugs recovered is still being counted.
By Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com
DUAZON, MONROVIA — A joint security operation has led to the arrest of one Colombian and one Spanish national in Liberia, just over a month after authorities busted a US$19 million drug shipment at Roberts International Airport.
“We have been investigating since the seizure of the US$19 million drugs at the RIA. Our painstaking investigation and smart police work led us to the stash house,” a senior member of the joint security team appointed by President Joseph Boakai told FrontPageAfrica from the scene Tuesday morning.
FrontPageAfrica has been informed that several key Liberians are also in custody in connection with the stash house. The quantity of drugs recovered there is still unknown as authorities continue counting, but it is believed to be worth millions of dollars.
“We are doing a complete count and will apply a street value but we believe it is several tons worth. We also seized a weapon during the bust,” the official told FPA.
The raid is the most significant break yet in the case authorities opened after intercepting 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at more than US$19 million, at Roberts International Airport in early July. Nearly all of the principal suspects in that seizure, including the man authorities allege orchestrated the scheme, fled the country before warrants could be executed against them. The case has since drawn sustained political pressure, with opposition figures accusing the Boakai government of moving too slowly and too selectively against those implicated.
This is a developing story. FrontPageAfrica will update as authorities release the identities of those in custody, the final count and value of the drugs recovered, and any additional charges.
THIS DEVELOPING STORY WILL BE UPDATED AS DETAILS ARE GATHERED
