IPNEWS: Fresh revelations are emerging from ongoing investigation into the US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA) tracing a Lebanese owned cold storage facility near the Monrovia Industrial Park in Gardnersville, where the drugs are believed to have been repackaged before transportation.
Investigators have also uncovered a phantom company allegedly created to facilitate the transshipment of the Cocaine through Liberia.
The Ministry of Justice identified as Emre Venn Group of Companies, reportedly operating from around 20th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, as the consignee for the shipment. However, preliminary findings have reportedly raised serious red flags after investigators failed to verify the company’s existence or any legitimate business operations tied to the name.
Authorities are now exploring whether the company may have served as a shell entity, allegedly established to conceal the true identities of those behind the shipment and to create a legal coverup for the movement of the drugs.
The development is being viewed as a potentially major breakthrough in a case that has already shaken Liberia’s security and customs systems.
A video footage circulating social media involves a yellow taxi cab allegedly used to transport the narcotics in broad daylight from the storage point to RIA without any interception or police detection.
What has intensified concerns is the CCTV footage reportedly showing a yellow taxi cab entering the customs section of the airport and proceeding to the scanner area, where the shipment was later processed.
Security experts say the footage, when verified, could point to a highly coordinated network operating with knowledge of airport procedures and possibly with inside facilitation.
The sequence of events has fueled growing speculation that the operation may have been far more organized than initially believed and may have passed through several security layers undetected.
“This does not look like the work of isolated individuals,” one source close to the investigation said. “It has all the markings of an organized network.”
The latest findings have also triggered criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups, who argue that the public remains in the dark about the full scope of the investigation.
Several lawmakers have expressed concern that those linked to the scandal may be influencing the probe from behind the scenes, raising fears of compromised, transparency and selective accountability.
The government, through the Ministry of Justice, has yet to publicly address the alleged shell company or the claims surrounding local packaging and transport of the narcotics.
As the investigation widens, pressure is mounting on authorities to disclose who owns Emre Venn Group, who authorized the shipment, and whether airport or law enforcement officials may have played a role in facilitating its movement.
Last week, President Joseph Boakai vowed to vigorously prosecute the criminal networks behind Liberia’s recent $19 million cocaine bust, delivering a televised address to the nation and asserting that no individual, title, or connection will protect those involved. The massive shipment—weighing approximately 237.6 to 240 kilograms—was intercepted by cargo security at the Roberts International Airport (RIA)
President Boakai ordered a full-scale national security investigation coordinated by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the Liberia National Police.
The administration announced it is targeting the major kingpins, financiers, and coordinators rather than just mules.
Investigators have been ordered to follow all leads without fear or favor, demanding that operators like cargo firm GLS Memgies hand over surveillance footage.
Liberia is actively collaborating with international partners to trace cross-border financial transactions and share intelligence.
In direct response to this high-profile case and the wider drug crisis, President Boakai announced an aggressive multi-pronged legal policy.
Immediate fast-tracking of narcotics cases through the courts, featuring mandatory sentencing guidelines.
Property seizures for drug-linked buildings (including prosecuting landlords) and freezing assets in cooperation with financial institutions.
Introduction of cash rewards and state protection for citizens providing actionable narcotics tips.
LDEA regional commanders are under a strict six-month deadline to deliver visible results in their sectors.
The historic bust has triggered significant civil debate across Liberia. While civil society groups praised the administration’s “non-selective” stance, public anxiety remains high. The airport security supervisor who exposed the shipment by rejecting a $20,000 bribe is reportedly in hiding due to a lack of immediate state protection. Concurrently, opposition figures and street commentators continue to pressure the government to release names, amidst rumors of potential political compromise. President Boakai has urged citizens to remain patient to prevent premature disclosures from jeopardizing ongoing operations.
