The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has warned that it will intensify nationwide peaceful civic action if authorities fail to make meaningful progress in the investigation into the reported US$19.2 million cocaine case.
In a strongly worded statement issued Thursday, the statutory national youth council said the fight against drug trafficking must be transparent, impartial, and free from political influence, stressing that every person connected to the investigation should face equal scrutiny under the law.
While commending the Liberian Senate for exercising its oversight responsibility by summoning the Joint National Security to provide updates on the case, FLY expressed concern over what it described as the slow pace of the investigation.
The organization said growing public questions about whether all persons of interest are being thoroughly investigated threaten confidence in Liberia’s justice system. It specifically called for clarity regarding investigative actions taken against individuals publicly linked to the case, insisting that no one should be shielded from accountability.
FLY also directed criticism at the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), urging the anti-drug institution to demonstrate greater independence, professionalism, and leadership in tackling one of the country’s most significant drug trafficking cases. The youth body argued that Liberia needs a strong and decisive anti-drug agency capable of restoring public trust and leading the fight against illicit narcotics without interference.
Describing drug abuse as a national emergency that is destroying the lives and future of young Liberians, FLY vowed to continue mobilizing youth across the country until authorities demonstrate tangible progress in dismantling the alleged drug trafficking network.
The organization called on the Joint National Security to provide a comprehensive public update in the coming weeks detailing the status of the investigation and all persons of interest.
In its strongest warning yet, FLY announced that if meaningful and verifiable progress is not made, it will peacefully mobilize young people nationwide, beginning with a sit-in at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police.
The organization emphasized that any action undertaken would remain peaceful, lawful, and orderly, but said Liberia’s youth will continue to apply civic pressure until the government demonstrates its commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring equal justice for all.
