14/06/2026
LDEA Breaks Silence on US$19 Million Co***ne Bust, Says Probe Extends Beyond Suspects to Entire Criminal Network
MONROVIA – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) says it will not prematurely disclose the identities of individuals linked to the seizure of more than US$19 million worth of co***ne at Roberts International Airport, insisting that investigators are pursuing what authorities now consider a major national security threat involving a broader transnational criminal network.
In a statement issued Saturday, the agency said the June 8 seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of co***ne at Roberts International Airport (RIA) has been elevated by the National Security Council to a Joint National Security Investigation involving multiple state security institutions.
The investigation is being coordinated by the LDEA and the Liberia National Police, with support from the National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, customs authorities, airport security and the Ministry of Justice.
“The Government of Liberia is determined to treat the matter not simply as a narcotics case, but as a significant national security threat,” the LDEA said.
The agency’s response comes amid mounting public pressure and social media demands for authorities to release the names of those believed to be connected to the shipment.
However, the LDEA warned that disclosing identities while the investigation remains active could compromise intelligence gathering, alert additional suspects, lead to the destruction of evidence and undermine future prosecutions.
“Investigative considerations must take precedence while active operations remain ongoing,” the statement noted.
According to investigators, the co***ne shipment was transported to RIA on June 5 by an individual identified as Emmanuel Zeon, who allegedly delivered the cargo to the airport warehouse for export through Brussels Airlines before departing the scen
