Chelle Noring, chairman emeritus and founding member of the ruling Unity Party (UP), has appealed for calm and restraint as authorities intensify investigations into the US$19.2 million drug seizure at the airport.
Noring urged Liberians to avoid speculation, and allow investigators to carry out a “thorough, impartial, and professional inquiry capable of restoring public confidence in the justice and security institutions.”
He spoke amid growing public debate surrounding the case.
Noring expressed confidence that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai remains committed to ensure that anyone found responsible for the drug shipment faces the full weight of the law, regardless of status or political affiliation.
“The Liberian people deserve the truth. I have confidence that Pres. Boakai will ensure that everyone connected to the drug saga is investigated fairly, and that those found culpable are held accountable.”
Noring said, combating illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse formed a central pillar of Boakai’s 2023 election campaign.
He added: “The administration now faces one of its most significant tests in translating those campaign commitments into concrete action.”
Drug abuse has increasingly become a major public health, and national security concern in the entire West Africa region.
The June 8 drug seizure has intensified public demands for stronger border controls, enhanced maritime surveillance, improved customs enforcement, and closer cooperation among security agencies.
Meanwhile, Noring has encouraged citizens possessing credible information about the shipment to cooperate fully with investigators rather than fueling rumors or misinformation.
