By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
MONROVIA, Liberia — Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has dismissed several senior government and security officials, suspended others and ordered further investigations as his administration widens a crackdown on alleged narcotics trafficking, in one of the most sweeping anti-drug actions since he took office.
The decisions, announced by the Executive Mansion on Thursday, follow the President’s review of the latest findings from ongoing investigations into two major cocaine seizures that have renewed concerns about the growing influence of transnational drug trafficking networks in Liberia and the wider West African region.
In a statement signed by Presidential Press Secretary Atty. Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, the Presidency said the measures were aimed at strengthening accountability, protecting the integrity of public institutions and demonstrating that no government official is above the law.
Among those dismissed with immediate effect are Mark Egon Kuiah, Deputy Director for Operations at Roberts International Airport (RIA); Johnny Bolar Dean, Commissioner of Police for Criminal Investigation, Intelligence and INTERPOL; and Patrick Doe, Deputy Director for Administration at the National Security Agency (NSA).
President Boakai also recalled Patrick Komasu, who had been seconded to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), suspended him without pay and directed that he be investigated over his alleged connection to the ongoing cases.
The latest dismissals are linked to investigations into the seizure of 198 plates of processed cocaine at Roberts International Airport and the confiscation of 3,971 plates of cocaine from premises associated with two foreign nationals.
As part of the same action, the President dismissed Mohammed O. Gbowrah, Director of Security at Roberts International Airport, and Moses Jallah, Deputy Commander of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency stationed at the airport.
The Executive Mansion also announced the dismissal of two officers of the Liberia National Police who are alleged to have used official government vehicles to transport a narcotics consignment from Vincent Town along the Bomi Highway to the vicinity of Mega Mart in Thinker Village, Paynesville.
The officers were identified as Anthony T. Blaye and Wadell W. Kwarbo.
President Boakai further ordered the dismissal of National Security Agency agents Jammel V. Jallah, Christian L. Nyantee and Albenigo Janior, along with Caycee Nelson, Procurement Director at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
According to the Presidency, the four officials have also been referred to Liberia’s Ministry of Justice for prosecution in accordance with the law.
A tougher stance on narcotics
In the statement, President Boakai said the actions reflect his administration’s determination to ensure that public officials implicated in criminal conduct do not remain in government service.
He said Liberia would continue to enforce its laws “without fear or favour” and pledged that every individual found to have participated in narcotics trafficking or related offences would be held accountable.
The President also instructed security and law enforcement agencies to intensify their investigations and ensure that all suspects are brought before the courts while respecting due process.
The Executive Mansion said the government remains committed to dismantling organised criminal networks, strengthening national security and protecting Liberia’s international standing.
Regional concern
The latest crackdown comes as West Africa continues to face growing challenges from international drug trafficking syndicates that use countries along the Atlantic coast as transit points for cocaine shipments destined for Europe and other international markets.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the infiltration of organised crime into public institutions poses a serious threat to governance, border security and the rule of law across the region.
For Liberia, the latest dismissals represent one of the strongest public signals yet from the Boakai administration that it intends to pursue allegations of official involvement in narcotics trafficking regardless of rank or position.
While investigations remain ongoing, the government’s latest actions are likely to face close public scrutiny as prosecutors move to test the evidence in court and determine whether those implicated can be successfully convicted.
The Executive Mansion said additional investigations are continuing and pledged that further action would be taken wherever evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
