The Liberia National Police has charged Mr. Leroy Harries, the CEO of Private Bar Nightclub, with criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, illegal possession of unlicensed illicit substances, unlicensed importation of illicit drugs, money laundering, trafficking, trading, sale of narcotics, and economic sabotage.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah announced the charges during the Ministry of Information regular Press briefing, describing Harries as one of several individuals indicted following an investigation into what authorities say is one of the largest drug trafficking cases in Liberia’s history.
The special investigative taskforce allege that the charges are linked to the seizure of narcotics with an estimated street value of US$317 million. The case has drawn nationwide attention and remains under active investigation.
Piah said the government is determined to hold everyone connected to the alleged drug trafficking network accountable, adding that no one will be exempt from prosecution because of wealth, influence or social status.
The Taskforce has not disclosed the evidence against Harries, saying those details will be presented before the court during the trial.
The investigation follows months of work by Liberia’s security agencies after the massive drug seizure, which officials say exposed an alleged network involved in the importation and distribution of illegal narcotics.
Investigators continue to pursue other persons of interest and have indicated that additional arrests and charges could be announced as the investigation progresses.
The case is part of the Boakai administration’s broader campaign against narcotics trafficking, which the government has identified as a growing threat to national security, public health and economic stability.
Harries is expected to make his first court appearance to answer the charges. Under Liberia’s Constitution, every accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.
The government has urged the public to allow the judicial process to proceed without interference while law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into the alleged drug trafficking operation.
