13/06/2026
LDEA Defends Decision to Withhold Names in US$19 Million Co***ne Bust Investigation
Monrovia, Liberia – June 13, 2026 The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has defended its decision not to immediately disclose the identities of individuals linked to the recent seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of co***ne valued at more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), citing the need to protect an ongoing high-level national security investigation.
In a statement issued Friday, the LDEA said the case has been elevated by the National Security Council to a Joint National Security Investigation due to the scale of the drug seizure and its suspected connections to transnational organized crime networks.
The investigation is being coordinated jointly by the LDEA and the Liberia National Police (LNP), with support from the National Security Agency (NSA), Executive Protection Service (EPS), Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Customs authorities, Airport Security, the Ministry of Justice, and other security agencies.
According to the LDEA, the Government of Liberia considers the case more than a routine narcotics investigation, describing it as a significant national security threat with potential implications for border security, aviation safety, financial integrity, and Liberia’s international reputation.
The agency acknowledged growing public demands, particularly on social media, for the immediate release of the names of individuals suspected of involvement in the shipment. However, authorities warned that such disclosures could jeopardize ongoing operations.
“Premature disclosure could alert additional suspects, lead to the destruction of evidence, interfere with intelligence-gathering efforts, compromise international cooperation, and undermine future prosecutions,” the LDEA stated.
Investigators revealed that the co***ne shipment was transported to Roberts International Airport on June 5, 2026, by a man identified as Emmanuel Zeon, who allegedly left the area shortly after delivering the cargo to an airport warehouse for export through Brussels Airlines. Authorities say Zeon is currently being sought by law enforcement.
The agency disclosed that several individuals and institutions involved in the shipment process—including shipping companies, airport personnel, security officers, and other relevant stakeholders—are cooperating with investigators as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Security officials say the investigation is expanding beyond those directly linked to the seized narcotics. The Joint Security Team is pursuing leads aimed at identifying financiers, facilitators, logistical coordinators, corrupt enablers, and both domestic and international actors connected to the operation.
Authorities emphasized that their objective is not only to prosecute those directly responsible for the shipment but also to dismantle the broader criminal network behind the trafficking scheme.
The government also stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of Roberts International Airport, describing it as a critical gateway for international trade, tourism, investment, and travel.
In its statement, the LDEA assured the public that no individual would be protected from investigation because of their status, position, political influence, or institutional affiliation.
“Where sufficient evidence exists, arrests will be made, charges will be filed, and prosecutions will proceed without fear, favor, or exception,” the agency said.
The LDEA further pledged to keep the public informed as arrests are made and charges are formally filed, while maintaining that investigative requirements must take priority during active operations.
The agency has also appealed to citizens to assist investigators by providing information that could aid the probe, noting that the successful fight against transnational organized crime requires public cooperation.
Officials reaffirmed that the investigation will not end with the seizure of the co***ne but will continue until all individuals and criminal networks connected to the operation are identified and brought to justice.
The LDEA encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through its anti-drug trafficking hotlines: 0777-133-333 and 0888-133-333
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