Monrovia, Liberia, 22nd July 2026 – Liberia’s month‑long investigation into the US$19 million cocaine bust at Roberts International Airport has taken a dramatic turn, with security forces arresting a Colombian and a Spanish national in Duazon. These are the first foreign suspects detained since the July seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at more than US$19 million.
According to FrontPageAfrica, the joint security operation raided a stash house early Tuesday, detaining the two foreigners along with several Liberians. Authorities also seized a weapon during the operation. The full quantity of drugs recovered is still being counted, but investigators believe the haul could amount to several tons with a street value in the millions.
“We have been investigating since the seizure of the US$19 million drugs at the RIA. Our painstaking investigation and smart police work led us to the stash house,” a senior member of the joint security team told FrontPageAfrica.
The arrests mark the most significant breakthrough since the July airport bust, when nearly all principal suspects, including the alleged mastermind, fled Liberia before warrants could be executed. The case has since fueled political debate, with opposition figures accusing President Joseph Boakai’s government of acting too slowly and selectively against those implicated.
For Liberia, the Duazon raid underscores both the scale of the narcotics trade and the mounting pressure on authorities to deliver accountability in one of the country’s largest drug seizures to date.
