U Liberiji zaplijenili četiri tone kokaina. Predsjednik smjenjuje ljude iz sustava

Liberia’s president, Joseph Boakai, has ordered the dismissal of dozens of government officials and launched investigations into several others following a major seizure of nearly four tons of cocaine near the country’s international airport in Monrovia. The drugs, valued at approximately $317 million, were discovered earlier this month, marking one of the largest such seizures in the region. This move comes after another significant seizure in June, when around 238 kilograms of cocaine worth roughly $19 million was found hidden within commercial cargo, including a shipment of Maggi instant noodles. The recent operation, conducted by Liberian authorities, uncovered the cocaine stash in close proximity to the Roberts International Airport, a key transit point for illicit goods in West Africa. According to reports, the seized drugs were concealed in containers meant for legitimate trade, highlighting vulnerabilities in the country’s customs and security infrastructure. These findings have prompted President Boakai to take swift action against individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and corruption. In response to these developments, Boakai issued immediate orders to suspend and investigate multiple high-ranking officials within the police force and intelligence agencies. Among those affected were the deputy director of operations at the airport, the police commissioner responsible for criminal investigations, intelligence work, and cooperation with Interpol, and the deputy director of administration at the National Security Agency (NSA). Additionally, several employees from the NSA and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare were removed from their positions pending further inquiry. The president’s actions follow a comprehensive review of ongoing investigations into narcotics-related cases. His administration has emphasized the need for stronger oversight and accountability within the security sector, particularly in light of growing concerns over the role of Liberia as a transit hub for cocaine destined for Europe. Reports indicate that Western Africa plays a critical role in the global drug trafficking network, with Liberia positioned as a strategic link in the supply chain. Public pressure mounted after the initial seizure in June, which led to widespread protests in Monrovia demanding swift justice and increased transparency. Civil groups, including Stand, organized demonstrations calling for immediate legal action against those implicated in the smuggling activities. These demands underscored public frustration with perceived inefficiencies and corruption within the country’s law enforcement apparatus. Among those detained during the latest operation, officials confirmed the presence of a foreign national holding a Serbian passport. Earlier reports suggested that one of the arrested individuals might be Srđan Seleš, a kickboxer whose alleged possession of a diplomatic passport sparked controversy. However, the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs refuted these claims, stating that Seleš does not hold a diplomatic passport and is not affiliated with any diplomatic mission. A spokesperson for the ministry, Dušan Kozarev, clarified via social media that Seleš has no official ties to Serbia’s diplomatic corps. The situation has raised questions about the extent of foreign involvement in Liberia’s drug trafficking networks and the potential complicity of external actors. While the identities of all those arrested remain undisclosed, the presence of individuals with passports from different countries suggests a complex web of international connections. Authorities continue to investigate the backgrounds of those detained, seeking to determine whether they operated independently or were part of larger transnational syndicates. Liberia’s efforts to combat drug trafficking have intensified in recent months, driven by both domestic pressures and regional concerns over the spread of narcotics. With the country’s strategic location along key shipping routes, the government faces mounting challenges in securing its borders and curbing the flow of illegal substances. As investigations proceed, the focus will likely shift toward strengthening institutional reforms and enhancing collaboration with international partners to address the root causes of drug-related crime.