Two Foreign Nationals Arrested in $19 Million Drug Bust in Neighbouring Liberia

Liberian security forces have arrested two foreign nationals in connection with a major cocaine trafficking investigation linked to the seizure of drugs worth an estimated $19 million at Roberts International Airport.

The suspects, a Colombian and a Spanish citizen, were taken into custody during a joint security raid on a suspected drug stash house in Duazon. They are the first foreign nationals arrested in connection with the July airport cocaine bust, which uncovered 237.6 kilograms of cocaine.

The raid, conducted early Tuesday morning, also led to the arrest of several Liberian nationals who were reportedly found at the location. Security officers seized a firearm and a large quantity of suspected narcotics during the operation.

Investigators are still determining the exact quantity of drugs recovered from the Duazon location but believe the seizure could amount to several tonnes, with a street value running into millions of dollars.

A senior security officer involved in the operation said authorities had been following intelligence leads since the initial airport seizure, which eventually led them to the suspected hideout.

The arrests mark a significant development in the month-long investigation and represent the first major breakthrough since the July cocaine bust, after key suspects, including an alleged ringleader, reportedly escaped the country before arrest warrants could be executed.

The earlier escape triggered public criticism and political debate, with opposition figures accusing the government of President Joseph Boakai of failing to act swiftly.

However, the latest operation signals renewed efforts by Liberian authorities to dismantle international drug trafficking networks operating within the country and strengthen the fight against organised narcotics crime.