UP Officials Split Over $19M Drug Probe

By Lincoln G. Peters

Monrovia, June 15, 2026 – Senior officials of the ruling Unity Party are sharply divided over the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s (LDEA) handling of the recent $19 million drug seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), particularly the agency’s failure to name and investigate individuals allegedly linked to the case.

Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon and Emmanuel Gongquoi, Commander-in-Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia, have publicly criticized the LDEA’s actions, calling the situation a national embarrassment. They are demanding that President Joseph N. Boakai take decisive action on the issue.

In contrast, Montserrado County District #8 Representative Prince Toles, Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System Eugune Faghon, and President Boakai’s Political Advisor Madam MacDella Cooper have urged patience, arguing that the LDEA should be allowed to conduct its investigation without undue interference.

Sen. Dillon, in a Facebook post titled “ATTENTION: LDEA!”, described the drug bust as deeply concerning, noting that nearly a week has passed since the seizure and discovery of the shipment. He stressed that if the LDEA fails to publicly identify those involved, he will bring the matter before the Senate to compel necessary actions to ensure justice.

Dillon stated that if the LDEA failed to report those linked to the drugs, he would have no alternative but would be left with the duty to bring the matter before the Senate next week to compel the appropriate and necessary actions to ensure justice.

Dillon also questioned the LDEA’s decision to withhold the names of “persons of interest,” arguing that since the matter is already public knowledge, there is no justification for secrecy.

“Who are the persons of interest under your radar? Why are their names being withheld? Why the delay in making these names public, about four days now since the first announcement?” Dillon asked.

He further warned that the absence of daily public updates fuels speculation, misinformation, and finger-pointing, urging the LDEA to provide clear updates on the progress of their investigation to restore public trust and bring perpetrators to justice.

Echoing Dillon’s concerns, Mr. Gongquoi argued that the drug seizure at RIA represents a significant security failure and insisted that accountability must begin at the highest levels of government if the fight against narcotics is to succeed.

“The President should not hesitate to take decisive action against those whose negligence or complicity enabled this breach. Coordination must not become an excuse for inaction or secrecy. The Liberian people deserve transparency, not narratives that shield those responsible. Any attempt to compromise the fight against drug trafficking only emboldens criminal networks and undermines public trust in our institutions,” Gongquoi stated.

He also emphasized that every cargo shipment has a sender, consignee, and financial trail, and called for a thorough investigation to identify all parties involved in processing and transporting the consignment.

On the other hand, Representative Prince Toles wrote on his official Facebook page that the public will be surprised when the full story behind the drugs is revealed.

“They will be shocked when the real story behind the drugs comes out,” Toles commented.

Director General Eugune Faghon, responding to Senator Dillon on social media, urged him to allow the LDEA and joint security forces to conduct their work.

“Sen. Dillon, please allow the LDEA and the joint security to do their job. This is a syndicate and an international operation, not just Liberia,” Faghon wrote.

Meanwhile, Political Advisor Madam MacDella Cooper dismissed opposition accusations linking her to the drug bust, stating, “My name has become a frequent target of opposition criticism.”

“My name has become MILk Candy in the opposition mouth…” Madam MacDella Cooper, Political Advisor to the President Joseph Boakai.