‘Drugs Investigation Is Based On Evidence, Not Public Opinions’

Government has defended its ongoing crackdown on narcotics trafficking, insisting that the investigation is being driven by evidence capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny rather than public opinion, or political pressure.

Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah said, the fight against drugs extends beyond the borders.

He described the fight as a global effort, which involves international partners from the United States, the Netherlands, Morocco, and neighboring West African countries.

Piah spoke during the Ministry of Information press briefing on Tuesday, August 11, in Monrovia.
He said, international partners are satisfied with the level of transparency surrounding the investigation.

He said, such transparency demonstrates how government has nothing to hide, and remains committed to dismantle a narcotics cartel that has operated for approximately six years.

Piah said, government is seeking justice primarily through the courts, rather than attempting to win arguments in the “court of public opinion.”

His comments aim to leave the growing public, and political debate surrounding the investigation, and the identities of individuals, who may eventually be implicated.

He said, the investigation, and government’s drug crackdown would have no limits, or “sacred cows.”

He said, investigators would follow the evidence wherever it leads, whether it involves current, or former government officials, private citizens, or foreign nationals.

Piah said, the investigation has produced significant evidentiary leads, and uncovered what authorities believe is an organized, sophisticated, complex, and well-funded narcotics trafficking network that has allegedly been operating for years.

He confirmed how investigators are seeking to identify all levels of the alleged network, including participants, financiers, organizers, handlers, couriers, facilitators, insiders, and foreign connections.

The scope of the investigation, Piah said, reflects government’s determination to expose the entire structure rather than focus solely on individual drug seizures.

He warned public officials, security officers, private citizens, and corporate actors that anyone found to have knowingly participated in the alleged syndicate could face prosecution.

He further cautioned against attempts to obstruct the investigation, or compromise its integrity, saying: “those responsible would face the full force of the law.”

Piah urged politicians to exercise restraint, and avoid “reckless, and unproductive politicking over the drug situation.”

He argued that the narcotics investigation should not be turned into a source of political advantage.