Liberian Youth Support State in Fight Against Drug Cartels

The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) welcomes and unequivocally supports the government's intensified efforts to dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks operating in Liberia. In recent months, Liberia has witnessed what is, by any measure, one of the most significant law-enforcement actions against international drug trafficking in the country's history. Nearly four tons of cocaine, reportedly valued at approximately US$317 million, were recovered in Duazon, Margibi County, representing the largest narcotics seizure recorded in Liberia. A separate shipment valued at approximately US$19.2 million was also intercepted at Roberts International Airport. Following these developments, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has taken decisive administrative actions involving senior security and airport officials implicated in the cases, while the Ministry of Justice has committed to pursuing drug traffickers and any public official or other person found to have facilitated, protected, or participated in these criminal networks. The scale of the drug crisis demands an equally serious national response. Liberian young people are among those most directly affected by the growing narcotics crisis, particularly the proliferation of kush and other dangerous substances across communities in all 15 counties. We therefore have a direct and urgent interest in ensuring that drug trafficking networks are identified, dismantled, and brought to justice. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines FLY believes the Ministry of Justice and other relevant state institutions are taking the right steps, and we encourage them to remain resolute in this effort. We call on all well-meaning Liberians to support the Government's fight against drug trafficking and to demonstrate to the international community, development partners, and security partners that Liberia is united in confronting this threat. Our support, however, comes with a clear call for accountability. Liberia has heard strong declarations before. The country still remembers the approximately US$100 million cocaine seizure at the Freeport of Monrovia in 2022, a case that generated enormous public attention but left many Liberians questioning the extent to which the broader networks behind the shipment were held accountable. Large seizures and press conferences are important, but they are not the final measure of success. What will determine whether this moment is different is whether investigations go beyond couriers and individual suspects to identify the financiers, organizers, facilitators, protectors, and officials who may enable these networks to operate. Success must ultimately be measured by credible investigations, prosecutions, convictions where the evidence supports them, and the dismantling of the networks themselves. FLY therefore welcomes the work currently being undertaken by the relevant law-enforcement and justice institutions, particularly the Ministry of Justice. Contrary to speculation in certain quarters, the authorities have, to date, given us no basis to doubt their stated commitment to pursuing these cases and ensuring that that responsible face the full weight of Liberian law. Our support is therefore principled, not unconditional. We will support the process while also insisting that it demonstrate transparency, independence, professionalism, and results. FLY calls on young people across all 15 counties to become active partners in the national fight against drug trafficking. A national crisis of this magnitude requires more than statements and short-term interventions. It requires sustained youth participation in Liberia's security and justice discourse. For this reason, the Federation of Liberian Youth is establishing a National Youth and Security Advisory Council in partnership with the Ministry of Justice. The Council will bring together representatives from student organizations, political party youth leagues, peacebuilding organizations, faith-ba