Investigation into the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), has reportedly entered a new phase with U.S. Government being involved.
Report has emerged that findings from a team of investigators from the United States (U.S.) Department of the Treasury’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) have compiled their findings.
The latest developments have heightened concerns over the financial network allegedly linked to the largest recently drug trafficking case.
According to reliable sources familiar with the investigation, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai was briefed on key financial intelligence through a third-party source, rather than directly to the visiting U.S. Treasury FIU delegation.
Members of the delegation concluded a fact-finding mission last week in Monrovia.
The information reportedly included details of suspicious financial transactions connected to the June 8 cocaine seizure at the airport.
Sources disclosed that investigators traced several money transfers to a commercial bank (name withheld) in Sinkor, Monrovia, in which the majority ownership is reportedly held by an American citizen.
The financial transactions are now said to be at the center of the ongoing investigation, which the joint national security investigative taskforce is heading.
The U.S. Treasury FIU team reportedly worked alongside Liberian financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and security officials to examine suspicious transactions, assess anti-money laundering compliance, and follow the financial trail believed to have supported the shipment intercepted at RIA.
Investigators are also reportedly pursuing a second phase of the investigation targeting individuals believed to have financed, facilitated, or protected the trafficking operation.
The inclusion of financial intelligence the U.S, Treasury FIU gathered, has expanded the investigation beyond the physical seizure of the narcotics.
The process has placed greater emphasis on money laundering activities, banking transactions, and the financial infrastructure that may have supported the criminal enterprise.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to test government’s commitment to accountability, strengthen oversight at the airport, and safeguard the credibility within the international financial and law enforcement community.
Although the American investigators have departed the country, sources say, the financial intelligence gathered during their visit, combined with records obtained from local banking institutions, has intensified concerns regarding how the cocaine shipment was financed and moved through financial system.
According to sources close to the Executive Mansion, Pres. Boakai received the independent briefing before he departed for an official visit to Turkey.
Boakai has reportedly received updates from both domestic investigators, and international partners as authorities expand the scope of the investigations.
Meanwhile, it is reported that Pres. Boakai has expressed dissatisfaction with the information uncovered so far, but remains committed to ensure that the investigation proceeds without “political interference.”
He has reportedly instructed security agencies to pursue everyone connected to the trafficking network, regardless of political affiliation, nationality, or official position.
Investigators also believe the cocaine shipment was intended for distribution in European markets, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Belgium, with Brussels reportedly identified as one of the principal entry points into Europe.
International drug enforcement experts continue to warn that West Africa remains a transit corridor for narcotics destined for European markets.
The growing international dimensions of the case have renewed concerns about Liberia’s reputation within global aviation, financial, and security sectors.
Security analysts caution that major narcotics seizures often result in stricter inspections of cargo shipments and travelers originating from the affected country, even when no formal travel restrictions are imposed.
