Liberian authorities have incinerated 4.2 metric tons of cocaine, an operation officials described as the country’s largest-ever drug bust, a claim supported. The seized narcotics were valued at approximately $336 million.
The Justice Ministry confirmed that the cocaine was recovered during a raid on a property in Duazon, located 17 miles (28 kilometers) from the capital, Monrovia. Investigators stated that they dismantled a sophisticated transnational trafficking network during the operation.
Two foreign nationals were detained in connection with the seizure. A Serbian national and a dual Colombian-Spanish national were arrested at the scene and were undergoing questioning.
Police officials implicated
The investigation has implicated high-ranking Liberian police officials in the illicit cocaine operation. Investigators identified officers allegedly involved in escorting the cocaine after its arrival.
Liberia's Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman confirmed that the chief of highway patrol and the head of the major crimes unit face charges. A deputy police commander at Liberia's main airport is also under suspicion in the case.
A clear message that Liberia was no longer a place of comfort for traffickers
In a separate action, Liberia's police, drug enforcement agency, and other agencies burned 237 kilograms (522 pounds) of cocaine seized in June at Roberts International Airport. That haul was valued at over $19 million.
Regional transit hub
West Africa has emerged as a key transit route for cocaine trafficked from South America to Europe. Smugglers exploit the region's porous borders and weak enforcement capabilities.
According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, at least 30% of cocaine destined for Europe now passes through West Africa. Local cocaine consumption, including crack cocaine, has also been rising in the region.