MONROVIA, Liberia (Running Africa) – Liberia has destroyed 4.2 metric tons of cocaine valued at approximately $336 million, following what authorities have described as the largest drug seizure in the country’s history.
The destruction, carried out on 30 July 2026, marks a major milestone in Liberia’s fight against organized crime and international drug trafficking as investigators continue to unravel an alleged transnational narcotics network operating through the West African nation.
Liberia’s Largest Cocaine Seizure
According to authorities, the destroyed narcotics included nearly four metric tons of cocaine seized during a high-profile raid in Duazon, outside Monrovia, as well as an additional 237 kilograms confiscated at Roberts International Airport in June.
The record-breaking haul is believed to be one of the largest cocaine seizures ever recorded in West Africa, a region increasingly used as a transit corridor for drugs destined for European markets.
Senior Police Officials Implicated
The investigation has also exposed alleged corruption within Liberia’s security services.
Investigators claim several senior police officials assisted in moving the cocaine after it entered the country.
Among those charged are the Highway Patrol Chief and the Head of the Major Crimes Unit, while a Deputy Airport Police Commander remains under investigation as authorities continue to expand the probe.
The case has raised fresh concerns about organized crime infiltration within key state institutions responsible for combating narcotics trafficking.
International Drug Trafficking Network Under Investigation
As part of the investigation, Liberian authorities arrested a Serbian national and a Colombian-Spanish national, both suspected of being linked to an international cocaine trafficking syndicate.
Officials believe the operation forms part of a sophisticated criminal network moving large quantities of cocaine from South America through West Africa before onward shipment to Europe.
Liberia Sends Strong Message to Drug Traffickers
Speaking after the destruction of the narcotics, Liberian National Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman said the operation sends a clear message that Liberia will not become a sanctuary for international drug traffickers.
Authorities say investigations remain ongoing as they work to identify additional suspects and dismantle the wider criminal network behind the record seizure.
West Africa Remains Key Cocaine Transit Route
The latest operation comes as West Africa continues to serve as a major transit hub for cocaine trafficked from South America to Europe.
Security experts estimate that at least 30% of cocaine destined for European markets passes through West Africa, where criminal organizations exploit porous borders, expanding maritime routes and weak enforcement systems to move multi-million-dollar drug shipments.
The record seizure underscores the growing scale of the drug trafficking challenge facing the region and highlights increasing efforts by African governments to disrupt international narcotics networks.
