By: Melvin Flomo
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MONROVIA, Liberia — August 26, 2026: Senator Amara Konneh has called for a firm but inclusive approach to Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs, urging the government to ensure that the ongoing crackdown results in equal justice, stronger institutions, transparent investigations, and lasting reforms.
Speaking at the Edward Wilmot Blyden Intellectual Discourse, organized by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) on August 26, Senator Konneh said Liberia’s fight against drug trafficking must go beyond arrests, suspensions, seizures, and the destruction of confiscated narcotics.
The discussion was held under the theme, “Confronting Drug Trafficking: Strengthening Institutions, Advancing Accountability, and Safeguarding the Rule of Law.”
Senator Konneh opened his remarks by commending President Joseph Boakai, the Liberian Senate, and the Joint Security Task Force for their actions in response to the country’s latest major cocaine investigation.
He specifically praised the government for suspending and dismissing senior security officials allegedly linked to the drug case, as well as the security task force for seizing the suspected narcotics and publicly destroying them.
However, Konneh cautioned that “good starts must have good endings,” arguing that the most difficult stage of the drug fight will be securing convictions in court.
According to the senator, Liberia’s previous experience with the US$100 million cocaine case in 2023 demonstrates the danger of failing to properly prepare a prosecution. He argued that weaknesses in the chain of custody, the absence of a clear financial trail, and prosecution shortcomings contributed to the government’s failure in that case.
He warned that if the current investigation ends with suspensions and dismissals without successful prosecutions, it could create a perception of selective justice and undermine public confidence in the process.
Equal Justice for All
Konneh proposed what he described as a “win-win” approach, calling for the same legal standards to be applied to everyone linked to the investigation, regardless of rank or position.
He urged the Ministry of Justice to pursue cases swiftly and suggested that prosecutions should be completed within 90 days where legally and practically possible.
The senator also argued that suspended security officials should either face charges where sufficient evidence exists or be reinstated where investigators cannot establish wrongdoing.
“Indefinite suspension without charge is selective justice,” Konneh argued.
He said swift and transparent trials would serve both the rule of law and the security institutions by clearing innocent officers while ensuring that compromised officials are held accountable.
Calls for Greater Transparency
Konneh also raised concerns surrounding emerging allegations about public procurement and public financial management within the security sector.
He referenced public discussions and allegations involving police vehicles reportedly purchased from Minnesota, luxury SUVs allegedly acquired for government officials, and vehicles registered to private individuals but reportedly being used by security officials.
While stressing that such allegations could be false, Konneh said perceptions surrounding the matter could damage the credibility of the drug investigation.
He therefore called on the Joint Security Task Force and relevant government institutions to make procurement and ownership documents available, including approvals from the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, General Services Agency asset records, Ministry of Finance payment vouchers, and Liberia Revenue Authority duty waivers where applicable.
He further clarified that sole-source procurement is not automatically illegal, but said such procurement must comply with applicable procurement requirements, including necessary approval from the relevant authorities.
More Resources for the Drug Fight
The senator also called for increased financial and institutional support for Liberia’s anti-drug agencies.
He questioned how officers earning relatively low salaries could effectively resist international drug networks capable of offering huge financial incentives.
Konneh said the Legislature should consider stronger budgetary support for the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and the establishment of a forensic drug laboratory.
He also advocated hazard pay and insurance coverage for personnel involved in dangerous drug-enforcement operations, as well as consideration of a specialized drug court with appropriate safeguards for judges and witnesses.
Turning the Cocaine Investigation Into Lasting Reform
Konneh urged the government to use the current cocaine investigation as an opportunity to strengthen Liberia’s broader justice and law-enforcement system.
He called for full implementation of Liberia’s revised drug legislation, including provisions dealing with the seizure, confiscation, and forfeiture of drugs and related assets.
He proposed that assets legally forfeited through the process could support rehabilitation programs and other interventions addressing drug abuse across Liberia.
The senator also emphasized the importance of maintaining a credible chain of custody, saying suspected narcotics must be properly documented and handled from the point of seizure through laboratory examination and eventual presentation in court.
He argued that such procedures would help prosecutors build a strong case capable of surviving challenges from defense lawyers.
Praises Attorney General, Calls for Continued Oversight
Konneh also commended Attorney General Oswald Tweh for briefing the Senate’s Defense, Security and Intelligence Committee on the ongoing investigation.
He welcomed the Attorney General’s reported commitment to providing the committee with regular briefings, saying such engagements would allow lawmakers to remain informed while supporting the investigation through legislative oversight.
He maintained that the Senate would continue demanding answers while respecting the confidentiality required for sensitive security investigations.
“No Sacred Cows”
In his closing remarks, Konneh said President Boakai had taken an important first step by suspending officials connected to the controversy, while the Joint Task Force had demonstrated political will by seizing and destroying the suspected narcotics.
But he challenged the government to take the next and more difficult step: ensuring swift, equal, transparent, and lawful justice.
He also called for an independent investigation into allegations of corruption involving senior security officials and warned against both selective justice and investigations that continue indefinitely without charges or clear conclusions.
Referencing the legacy of Edward Wilmot Blyden, Konneh argued that Liberia must focus on building institutions that can survive beyond individual political leaders.
He concluded by calling for increased funding for the LDEA, the police, and the Ministry of Justice, while insisting that additional resources must be accompanied by transparency, accountability, proper documentation, and respect for the courts.
“If we do that, the President wins, the Task Force wins, and Liberia wins. All of us win,” Senator Konneh said.
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