IPNEWS: Stanton Witherspoon, a prominent supporter of President Joseph Boakai has made explosive allegations suggesting that an individual closely associated with the Executive Mansion may have prior knowledge of the recent US$19.2 million cocaine shipment seized at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
Stanton Witherspoon, a well-known radio broadcaster and political ally of President Boakai who actively supported and promoted the President’s election campaign, used his platform to raise questions about what he described as possible links between individuals within the Executive Mansion and the ongoing drug-trafficking investigation.
During his remarks, Witherspoon reportedly released a photograph of officials associated with the Executive Mansion and alleged that one individual who regularly interacts with President Boakai, accompanies him on official trips, and attends cabinet-level meetings possesses knowledge concerning the arrival of the massive cocaine shipment recently intercepted by authorities.
According to Witherspoon, the individual in question serves as an adviser within the President’s circle and is allegedly being protected from scrutiny by law-enforcement authorities. He claimed that the person is frequently seen in the President’s company during official engagements and government activities.
“This is somebody who sees the President every day. This is somebody who attends cabinet meetings. This is somebody who travels with the President,” Witherspoon reportedly stated while discussing the matter on air.
The broadcaster further alleged that police investigators have failed to properly pursue the individual despite information he claims links the person to knowledge of the drug shipment.
The allegations come amid mounting public interest in the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at an estimated US$19.2 million.
Authorities have described the case as one of the largest recent narcotics interceptions in Liberia and have indicated that investigations remain ongoing.
Witherspoon also alleged that the individuals behind the shipment may have previously operated during the administration of former President George Weah. According to his claims, the traffickers were successful in earlier attempts and believed they could continue operating because of what he described as contacts and influence within the current government structure.
He argued that those responsible may have viewed the present environment as favorable for moving narcotics because of alleged connections inside the Executive Mansion.
The comments are particularly significant because they come from an individual widely regarded as a supporter of President Boakai rather than from a political opponent.
Political observers note that allegations emerging from within the President’s support base are likely to attract considerable public attention and increase calls for transparency in the investigation.
As of publication, neither the Executive Mansion nor law-enforcement authorities have publicly responded to the specific allegations attributed to Witherspoon.
No evidence has been publicly presented linking President Boakai to the drug shipment, and no charges have been announced against any Executive Mansion official in connection with the case.
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has previously stated that investigations remain active and that authorities are pursuing all relevant leads.
Officials have also maintained that no government official has been linked to the case based on evidence publicly disclosed thus far.
The allegations made by Witherspoon remain unverified. However, they are likely to intensify public pressure on investigators to provide greater transparency regarding the origins of the shipment, the identities of those involved, and whether any government officials, security personnel, or politically connected individuals are subjects of the investigation.
With the nation closely watching developments, many Liberians are expected to demand clear answers regarding who financed the shipment, where it originated, who facilitated its movement through the cargo system, and whether any individuals within positions of power had prior knowledge of the operation.
For now, those questions remain at the center of one of Liberia’s most closely watched criminal investigations.
