KOIJEE PETITIONS U.S. EMBASSY FOR INTERNATIONAL PROBE INTO LIBERIA’S ALLEGED US$19M COCAINE SCANDAL

‎By Sampson W. Weah
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‎IPNEWS: Former Monrovia City Mayor and Secretary General of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Jefferson T. Koijee, has formally petitioned the Embassy of the United States in Monrovia, calling for an independent international investigation into Liberia’s alleged US$19 million cocaine trafficking scandal, which he claims poses a serious threat to national security, democratic governance, and regional stability.
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‎In a detailed letter dated July 15, 2026, and addressed to U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny, Koijee argued that the reported narcotics case extends far beyond an ordinary criminal investigation, describing it as a major test of Liberia’s commitment to the rule of law and its willingness to investigate powerful individuals without political interference.
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‎Koijee, who cited his background in counter-terrorism, intelligence, and homeland security, said he was compelled by both professional duty and patriotism to raise concerns that, in his view, require an independent and internationally supported investigative response.
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‎According to the CDC Secretary General, the investigation conducted by Liberian authorities has failed to inspire public confidence, alleging that significant questions surrounding the origin, ownership, and intended destination of the reported cocaine shipment remain unanswered.
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‎He criticized the handling of the investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP), arguing that repeated public briefings by Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman have not adequately addressed critical issues surrounding the case.
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‎Koijee further alleged that the operational independence of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has been undermined through what he described as undue influence by the Police Inspector General over the agency’s leadership and operations.
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‎Among his most serious allegations, Koijee claimed that former LDEA head Abe Kromah was removed as part of a politically motivated conspiracy designed to facilitate the operations of an alleged drug trafficking cartel. He further alleged that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai was influenced into appointing former LNP Deputy Commissioner Fitzgerald T. M. Biago as Officer-in-Charge of the LDEA following Kromah’s dismissal.
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‎Koijee also questioned the timing of Inspector General Coleman’s reported visit to the United Kingdom on June 18–19, 2026, while investigations into the cocaine seizure were ongoing. He alleged that the United Kingdom was the intended destination of the cocaine shipment, though he did not provide evidence to substantiate that assertion in the letter.
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‎Additionally, the CDC Secretary General alleged that several luxury vehicles—including Toyota Hilux pickups and Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs—were provided by an alleged cartel and distributed among senior Liberian government officials. He questioned whether the vehicles were legally procured, registered, and transferred in accordance with Liberian law and called for an independent audit of their acquisition and allocation.
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‎Koijee argued that the reported assets cannot be reconciled with the Liberia National Police’s approved national budget and the salary of the Police Inspector General, raising what he described as legitimate concerns requiring independent forensic investigation.
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‎He urged the United States Government and Liberia’s international partners to support an impartial international investigation, saying such a process would help restore public confidence, strengthen accountability, and ensure that no individual is above the law.
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‎”The Liberian people deserve institutions that are transparent, accountable, and capable of confronting organized crime without political interference,” Koijee wrote, warning that failure to properly investigate the matter could undermine Liberia’s democracy, peace, and regional security.
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‎As of press time, neither the Liberia National Police, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, nor the Executive Mansion had publicly responded to the allegations contained in Koijee’s letter.
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‎The allegations outlined in the communication remain claims made by Mr. Koijee and have not been independently verified. No court has found the individuals named in the letter liable for the alleged conduct.