Image of LDEA Boss with an AI image generated by STAND
-LDEA Seeks Time for Probe
By Mark N. Mengonfia
MONROVIA, Liberia- The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has identified Emmanuel Zeon as a person of interest in the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), while urging the public to allow investigators time to complete an ongoing joint national security investigation.
The agency said the June 8 seizure has been elevated by the National Security Council to a Joint National Security Investigation because of its potential links to transnational organized crime and implications for Liberia’s national security.
According to an LDEA statement signed by its Public Relations Department, the investigation is being coordinated jointly by the LDEA and the Liberia National Police, with support from the National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, customs authorities, airport security, the Ministry of Justice and other security institutions.
The government said the case is being treated as more than a narcotics investigation, describing it as a significant national security threat with possible implications for border security, international aviation, financial integrity and public safety.
View of the drug when it was confiscated at RIA
The LDEA acknowledged growing public pressure for the immediate release of names connected to the shipment but warned that premature disclosure could jeopardize the investigation.
The agency said releasing the identities of persons of interest, suspects or cooperating witnesses at this stage could alert additional suspects, lead to the destruction of evidence, interfere with intelligence gathering and compromise international law enforcement cooperation.
“Such actions could ultimately undermine efforts to dismantle the entire criminal enterprise behind this transnational trafficking operation,” the statement said.
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate that the shipment was delivered to Roberts International Airport on June 5 by Emmanuel Zeon, who allegedly left shortly after dropping off the cargo for export through Brussels Airlines. Authorities said Zeon is currently being sought by law enforcement.
The LDEA said several individuals and institutions involved in the shipment process, including shipping agencies, airport personnel and security officers, are cooperating with investigators as the inquiry continues.
Authorities said the investigation extends beyond the seized narcotics and aims to identify financiers, facilitators, logistical coordinators and any domestic or international actors linked to the shipment.
The government also pledged that no individual, regardless of position or influence, would be protected from investigation or prosecution if evidence warrants criminal charges.
The LDEA said information appropriate for public release will be disclosed as arrests are made and charges are formally filed, but emphasized that investigative considerations must take precedence during active operations.
The agency urged citizens to assist by providing information relevant to the case through its hotlines: 0777-133-333 and 0888-133-333.
However, the request for patience has been met with resistance from the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND)-led Liberia Protest Coalition, organizers of the planned July 17, 2026, “Lead or Leave” peaceful protest.
In a statement being circulated, the coalition gave the LDEA 72 hours to publicly identify all individuals and entities connected to the cocaine shipment.
The group argued that days after one of Liberia’s largest drug interceptions was announced, the public still does not know who orchestrated the operation.
“We reject the claim that the transnational nature of the case justifies prolonged secrecy,” Foday Massaquio said in a statement.
“Transparency is essential to maintaining public confidence and proving that no one is above the law.”
The LDEA has not publicly responded to the coalition’s ultimatum but maintains that protecting the integrity of the investigation remains its top priority.
