Questions continue to mount over the alleged interception of cocaine valued at more than US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), while the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) remains tight-lipped since June 9, 2026 about suspects allegedly linked to the US$19.2 million drug amid mounting public pressure and endless demand for answers from civil society actors, lawmakers, prominent and ordinary citizens.
An initial investigation by Verity News has revealed that the drugs were already in Liberia several days before the reported arrest on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
According to an air waybill and other documents in possession of this paper showed that the shipment-made up of 198 compressed plates of cocaine, was under the control of Emre Venn Group of Companies, identified as the consignor.
The investigative findings further raises concerns about how the consignment entered the country and who ultimately took responsibility for it.
This paper also revealed that the shipment arrived at RIA on June 4, 2026, at 1:31 p.m., delivered by agents linked to the same company.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting a June 9 departure, the cargo was actually scheduled to leave Liberia on June 12, 2026, aboard Brussels Airlines flight SN241, with onward transit through Brussels on SN2103 to London Heathrow.
The alleged US$19.2 million drugs moved through several airport security checks while hidden inside cargo containers marked with yellow coverings, which it says were not properly sealed before being stored at the airport warehouse.
This has triggered strong reactions from public officials and civil society groups.
Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has criticized the handling of the case and the delay in releasing names of persons of interest.
“The ‘19M USD’ drug issue has become embarrassingly concerning. It has been nearly a week since the discovery of such a large consignment at our airport,” Dillon said, while questioning the delay in naming persons of interest.
He warned that the Senate may be forced to intervene if there are no updates soon.
“If necessary, we will bring this matter before the Senate next week to compel action,” he added.
The Executive Director of Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Anderson Miamen also called for full transparency, noting that the case is a test of Liberia’s justice and security systems.
“Illicit drugs do not just appear in Liberia on their own, people are involved in bringing them in,” Miamen said.
He further raised questions about those behind the shipment, their partners, and its final destination.
Citizens Movement for Changes (CMC) political leader Rep. Musa Hassan Bility also weighed in through an open letter to the President, linking the crisis to the wider drug problem in Liberia and revealing that his son is currently in prison on drug-related charges.
Bility said drug abuse and trafficking have become widespread and are destroying families across the country. While stressing that individuals must face justice, he said the broader network behind drug trafficking must also be uncovered.
“You may not be personally involved, but as President, you carry the responsibility to act,” he wrote, calling for an independent and transparent investigation.
In a major update, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) confirmed that the case has been elevated to a Joint National Security Investigation due to its scale and possible international links.
In its statement issued Saturday, the agency said it is working with the Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, Customs, Airport Security, and the Ministry of Justice, among others.
The LDEA said the decision reflects the seriousness of the case, which is now being treated as a national security concern rather than a routine drug seizure.
The agency also responded to public pressure for the immediate release of suspects’ names, warning that doing so at this stage could compromise the investigation, alert suspects, and lead to destruction of evidence.
According to preliminary findings, the shipment was delivered to RIA on June 5, 2026, by an individual identified as Emmanuel Zeon, who allegedly left the scene shortly after unloading the cargo and is now being sought by authorities.
The agency added that several individuals linked to shipping, airport operations, and security services are cooperating with investigators.
The Joint Security Team is also pursuing financiers, facilitators, and others believed to be part of a wider trafficking network operating locally and internationally.
However, the LDEA noted that no one will be protected, regardless of status or influence, once evidence is established.
The investigation remains ongoing, with further updates expected as arrests are made and court proceedings begin.
