By Kruah Thompson
MONROVIA, August 7, 2026 – Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti says Liberia has enlisted the support of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Morocco, Rwanda, and other international partners in the ongoing investigation into the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$317 million.
Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Nyanti said the international collaboration reflects President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s commitment to combating transnational drug trafficking and ensuring Liberia does not become a transit hub for international narcotics.
She described the investigation as a coordinated effort to dismantle international drug trafficking networks and prevent Liberia from becoming a narco-state.
According to the minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a member of the National Security Council, has been working closely with the Joint Security Task Force and international partners to strengthen the investigation.
Nyanti disclosed that following the earlier seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19 million, she engaged senior United States officials to seek technical assistance for Liberia’s anti-narcotics efforts.
She said discussions with U.S. officials, including representatives of the White House National Security Council, resulted in the deployment of American investigators to Liberia to support local authorities in expanding the scope of the investigation.
Responding to allegations circulating on social media linking diplomatic cargo to drug trafficking, Nyanti defended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying she was compelled to address the claims because they risk undermining Liberia’s anti-drug campaign and damaging the country’s international reputation.
She maintained that unfounded allegations against the ministry weaken an ongoing investigation and could harm Liberia’s standing with its international partners.
The minister also highlighted Liberia’s growing diplomatic profile, noting that the country is currently coordinating the African members of the United Nations Security Council and serving as coordinator of the elected non-permanent members during the month of August.
According to her, Liberia’s expanded international responsibilities require sustained engagement with world leaders and participation in sensitive diplomatic initiatives, making it essential to safeguard the country’s international image.
Addressing claims involving diplomatic cargo, Nyanti rejected suggestions that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs manages diplomatic shipments.
She explained that under the Vienna Convention, accredited diplomatic missions are entitled to duty-free privileges, while the ministry’s responsibility is limited to verifying diplomats’ eligibility and forwarding tax exemption requests to the Liberia Revenue Authority.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not handle diplomatic cargo,” Nyanti said. “If anyone claims diplomatic cargo is being used to transport drugs, they should identify the embassy involved and provide evidence rather than making general accusations.”
She argued that allegations involving diplomatic cargo without supporting evidence effectively amount to accusations against foreign diplomatic missions rather than the ministry itself.
“When you accuse me without evidence, you’re not accusing me—you are accusing the diplomats,” she said.
Nyanti urged Liberians to support the government’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks instead of allowing misinformation and political propaganda to distract from the investigation.
She also clarified that individuals arrested in connection with the cocaine seizures will be prosecuted under Liberian law. While the United States is providing technical and investigative assistance, she said, prosecutions will be conducted by Liberian authorities unless aspects of the case fall under another country’s jurisdiction.
The Foreign Affairs Minister encouraged anyone with credible information relating to the investigation to report it to the Joint Security Task Force rather than circulate unverified allegations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accountability, the rule of law, and protecting Liberia’s international credibility.
