By Stephen G. Fellajuah
MONROVIA, Liberia, July 28, 2026 — Executive Protection Service Director Sam Gaye says Liberian authorities will proceed with the destruction of recently seized cocaine despite an unverified video circulating online in which individuals claiming to represent a Colombian drug cartel allegedly threaten retaliation.
“We will burn their 4.2 tons of cocaine this week. And we will videotape it and send it to them in Colombia,” Gaye wrote in a social media post.
“Bring it on if you’re vexed! Get in your boat or plane and come meet us at the burn site,” he added.
Gaye’s comments followed the circulation of a video purportedly showing individuals claiming to be members of a Colombian drug cartel. The video’s authenticity and the identities of those appearing in it have not been independently verified.
In the footage, the speakers allegedly threatened retaliation over the Liberian government’s seizure of a major cocaine shipment.
They also claimed that 10 metric tons of cocaine had entered Liberia, alleging that authorities disclosed about four tons while withholding the remaining six. No evidence was presented to substantiate the claims, and Liberian authorities have not publicly confirmed them.
The speakers further demanded the release of two foreign nationals arrested during the operation, reportedly a Colombian Spanish dual national and a Serbian national.
On July 21, joint security officers raided a property in Duazon, Margibi County, and recovered approximately 3,971 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed in boxes and suitcases.
The Ministry of Justice placed the estimated street value of the drugs at about US$317 million, describing the operation as the largest cocaine seizure in Liberia’s history. Investigations into the suspected international trafficking network remain ongoing.
The Duazon operation followed another major seizure at Roberts International Airport on June 8, when security agencies intercepted 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19.2 million.
The drugs were allegedly concealed in cargo falsely declared as Maggi seasoning cubes and lappas and were reportedly destined for Europe.
Following the airport seizure, President Joseph N. Boakai established a Joint National Security Investigative Task Force to identify and investigate those linked to the shipment.
Authorities have not publicly established a connection between the two cases. However, the seizures have intensified concerns that Liberia could be used as a transit route by international drug-trafficking networks moving cocaine from South America to Europe.
The alleged cartel video and Gaye’s response have triggered mixed public reactions, with some questioning the recording’s authenticity and others expressing concern about the purported threats.
