The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) has called on the Liberia National Police (LNP) to substantiate claims that drug cartels have been paying journalists and media institutions to influence public opinion, warning that such serious allegations—if left unsupported—could undermine both the credibility of the Liberian media and public confidence in the country’s justice system.
In a statement issued on August 2, 2026, ALJA also praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for taking decisive administrative action against public officials allegedly linked to Liberia’s ongoing narcotics investigations, describing the move as a strong demonstration of political will in the country’s escalating war against transnational organized crime.
The dual position reflects what has become an increasingly delicate balancing act in Liberia’s anti-drug campaign: supporting an uncompromising fight against organized narcotics trafficking while safeguarding constitutional principles, including press freedom, due process, and the rule of law.
ALJA’s statement comes amid one of the most significant anti-narcotics operations in Liberia’s history.
Over the past several months, Liberian authorities have intercepted two of the largest cocaine consignments ever recorded in the country. The first involved the seizure of approximately 198 plates of processed cocaine valued at more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport. That operation was followed by the discovery of nearly 3.97 metric tons of suspected cocaine, valued at approximately US$370 million, at a warehouse in Duazon, Margibi County.
Together, the seizures have transformed public perceptions of Liberia’s role in international drug trafficking, reinforcing fears that the country is increasingly being targeted as a transit and storage hub for sophisticated transnational criminal organizations operating across West Africa.
The investigations have already implicated foreign nationals as well as a growing number of Liberian public officials, prompting President Boakai to dismiss, suspend and order investigations into several senior security officers and government employees while directing law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to dismantle the networks behind the trafficking operations.
It was against this backdrop that Liberia National Police Inspector General Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman made one of the most controversial assertions since the investigations began.
Inspector General Coleman alleged publicly that individuals connected to the narcotics investigations had been financing certain media institutions to influence public opinion.
According to the Police Chief, the alleged objective was to spread misinformation, weaken confidence in the investigations, undermine public trust in law enforcement, and ultimately facilitate the release of suspects connected to the cocaine cases.
The allegation immediately introduced a new dimension to Liberia’s anti-drug campaign.
Beyond narcotics trafficking itself, the debate shifted toward whether organized criminal networks may also be attempting to manipulate public discourse through sections of the media—a tactic that security experts have increasingly identified as common among sophisticated transnational criminal organizations seeking to influence investigations.
Yet ALJA argues that accusations of such magnitude require a corresponding standard of proof.
Quoting its National President Joey T. Kennedy, ALJA urged Inspector General Coleman to identify the journalists and media institutions allegedly involved.
“Allegations of this magnitude must be supported by credible evidence and handled through established legal and investigative processes,” Kennedy said.
He warned that broadly accusing the media without identifying specific individuals or organizations risks unfairly tarnishing the reputation of journalists and news outlets that continue to adhere to professional and ethical standards.
According to ALJA, if credible evidence exists, it should be submitted through the appropriate investigative and judicial channels rather than left as generalized public assertions.
The Association stressed that any journalist or media institution found to have knowingly collaborated with criminal organizations should face investigation and, where evidence warrants, prosecution under Liberian law.
At the same time, ALJA emphasized that constitutional guarantees—including due process and the presumption of innocence—must remain fully protected.
ALJA described any attempt by criminal organizations to infiltrate or manipulate the media as a serious threat to democratic governance.
“Any attempt by criminal organizations to infiltrate or manipulate the media for illicit purposes is deeply troubling and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” the Association stated.
It warned that such conduct would undermine public confidence in journalism, weaken citizens’ access to accurate information, and threaten the independence of the press.
The organization therefore called on journalists throughout Liberia to resist attempts by criminal enterprises, politicians or other vested interests to influence editorial content.
Kennedy urged media institutions to strengthen internal editorial safeguards, reinforce ethical standards and promote greater transparency to preserve public trust.
“In a period when public confidence is indispensable, journalists have a responsibility to reject every attempt by criminal enterprises, political actors or other vested interests to compromise editorial independence,” he said.
While raising concerns over the Inspector General’s public comments, ALJA strongly endorsed President Boakai’s administrative response to the narcotics investigations.
The Association commended the President for dismissing and suspending officials allegedly linked to the cocaine cases, describing the move as evidence that no public servant should be shielded from accountability.
ALJA said the President’s actions send “a clear and unequivocal message that public office is a public trust and that no individual entrusted with serving the Liberian people is above accountability.”
According to the Association, the swift administrative measures demonstrate political courage at a time when Liberia faces growing threats from international narcotics trafficking networks.
However, the organization cautioned that administrative dismissals should not be viewed as substitutes for criminal accountability.
Instead, it urged government to ensure that every allegation is subjected to impartial, evidence-based investigation and that anyone found culpable is prosecuted while innocent individuals receive full constitutional protection.
ALJA’s intervention highlights a broader institutional challenge facing Liberia.
The country’s anti-drug campaign now extends beyond law enforcement to encompass governance, judicial independence, media credibility and public confidence in democratic institutions.
The Association reiterated its support for the Liberia National Police and other security agencies in combating narcotics trafficking, organized crime, money laundering and corruption.
At the same time, it stressed that success against sophisticated criminal networks depends not only on arrests and seizures but also on protecting the institutional values that distinguish lawful governance from arbitrary state action.
“The growing influence of transnational drug trafficking networks poses a direct threat to national security, democratic governance, economic development, public health and Liberia’s international standing,” ALJA noted.
It argued that defeating organized crime requires a united national response grounded in integrity, professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
The Association also appealed for broader national cooperation, urging the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, civil society, religious institutions, traditional leaders, the media and ordinary citizens to work collectively against narcotics trafficking.
It cautioned that political disagreements and institutional rivalries should never weaken Liberia’s resolve to dismantle criminal organizations.
ALJA concluded by reaffirming its support for a transparent, impartial and evidence-driven investigation into the Margibi cocaine seizures and all related criminal activities.
Those ultimately found responsible, the Association said, must be held accountable regardless of political affiliation, official position or social standing.
But equally, it emphasized, constitutional protections must remain intact throughout the investigative and judicial process.
The battle against narcotics trafficking, for ALJA, is not merely a law enforcement campaign—it is a defining test of whether the country can simultaneously uphold justice, protect democratic freedoms and strengthen the institutions needed to confront one of the gravest national security challenges of recent years.
