Weah Questions Boakai’s Anti-Drug Fight

Former President George Weah has renewed political debate over the escalating narcotics crisis.

Weah questioned the effectiveness of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration’s anti-drug campaign.

He expressed the hope that the government can overcome one of the most pressing national security, and public health challenges.

Weah spoke during the engagement with supporters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in the United States.

Weah said, his administration “successfully confronted drug-related challenges during its tenure.”

He called on the current administration to demonstrate similar results.

“We solved the drug problem when we faced it, and I expect this government to do the same,” Weah said, while acknowledging that narcotics remain a serious threat confronting society around the world.

His remarks come as the administration of Joseph Nyuma Boakai, and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, face mounting public scrutiny following the largest-ever cocaine seizure, and persistent concerns over the growing abuse of illicit drugs, particularly among young people.

Weah’s comments have intensified political attention on the government’s ongoing investigation into an alleged international drug trafficking syndicate believed to have operated in Liberia for several years.

Authorities recently destroyed more than four metric tons of cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately US$317 million after securing evidence for prosecution.

The latest development followed earlier seizures that exposed Liberia’s increasing role as a transit point for international narcotics trafficking.

Investigators have also raised concerns about possible institutional failures.

Security officials say, former and current public officials are under investigation for allegedly facilitating drug trafficking operations.

Weah’s latest remarks also coincided with his confirmation that he intends to contest the 2029 presidential election.

While addressing ‘supporters in the U.S. Weah urged the CDC to begin reorganizing as he accused the Boakai administration of poor governance, and having failed to fulfill its campaign promises.

Weah has previously warned that Liberia risks becoming a “narco-state,” an allegation the current government has consistently rejected.

Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, has alleged that members of the trafficking network received assistance from some law enforcement officers, suggesting the existence of a sophisticated, and well-financed criminal organization.

The latest developments have reignited criticism of the Weah’s administration, and the current government.

During the 2023 presidential campaign, the Unity Party accused Weah’s government of failing to adequately address the rapid spread of the synthetic drug, known as “Kush,” which has contributed to widespread addiction among the youth.

Although, the Weah administration enacted stricter non-bailable drug legislation, and allocated resources to anti-drug initiatives, critics argued that those measures did not halt the growth of drug trafficking, and substance abuse.

Meanwhile, the Boakai administration now faces similar criticism as illegal narcotics continue to enter the country despite intensified enforcement efforts, and leadership changes within key security agencies.