Liberian Forces Seize Massive Suspected Cocaine Cache in VOA/Duazon Warehouse

Overview

• A joint security team raided a VOA/Duazon warehouse on Wednesday, recovering a suspected cocaine cache and detaining two foreign nationals as investigators secured the site.
• Authorities say the operation grew from the June 8 Roberts International Airport seizure of about 237.6 kilograms, which had prompted the formation of a Joint National Security Investigative Task Force.
• Preliminary public estimates of the warehouse find vary widely, with some officials citing about 3,971 kilograms and an estimated street value near US$318 million, but forensic confirmation of composition, final weight and valuation is still pending.
• Former officials and lawmakers have alleged possible collusion by state actors and pointed to a 2022 Freeport case where defendants were acquitted as a reason for heightened public and legislative scrutiny.
• Investigators say more arrests and international legal cooperation are expected and the probe will test Liberia’s ability to convert large seizures into successful prosecutions and stronger cargo controls.