Liberia’s Foreign Ministry Denies Drug Trafficking Allegations, Rejects Claims Linking Diplomatic Pouch to Cocaine Investigation

Monrovia — Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly denied allegations linking the institution and its leadership to the country’s ongoing high-profile narcotics investigation, dismissing claims of involvement in drug trafficking as “false, baseless and irresponsible.”

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Ministry said it was “deeply concerned” by what it described as attempts by certain individuals to falsely implicate the Ministry and its leadership in the investigation surrounding Liberia’s multi-million-dollar cocaine seizures.

“The Ministry categorically and unequivocally rejects these baseless allegations,” the statement said. “These accusations are entirely false, unsupported by any credible evidence, and appear calculated to undermine public confidence in the Government of Liberia’s coordinated efforts to combat transnational organized crime.”

The Ministry warned that the spread of what it called misinformation could jeopardize ongoing law enforcement investigations and undermine Liberia’s national interest.

Addressing claims circulating on social media and other platforms regarding the alleged use of diplomatic channels in drug trafficking, the Ministry stressed that diplomatic pouches are governed by strict international legal standards and cannot be casually used for illicit purposes.

According to the Ministry, the handling of diplomatic pouches and parcels is regulated under international law, with the Ministry serving only to facilitate duty-free privileges for accredited foreign missions and international organizations operating in Liberia.

The Ministry also rejected allegations that Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti authorized or approved the use of any diplomatic pouch connected to illegal narcotics activities.

“It strongly rejects any allegation that tends to implicate the use of diplomatic pouch in the current narcotics investigation,” the statement said, adding that accusations suggesting the Foreign Minister signed off on diplomatic pouches for illicit activities are false and reckless.

Officials cautioned that such allegations risk damaging Liberia’s longstanding diplomatic relationships and eroding the trust the country enjoys with its international partners.

Discover moreNewsBusinessExecutive Branch The Ministry further disclosed that, acting on behalf of the Government of Liberia and pursuant to decisions of the National Security Council, it has undertaken extensive diplomatic engagements with key bilateral and multilateral partners to strengthen the country’s anti-narcotics investigation.

According to the statement, Liberia has reached out to the United States, the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Serbia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the European Union, and other international partners to seek technical expertise, intelligence cooperation, specialized training, investigative support, and other strategic assistance.

The Ministry said the engagements are intended to bolster the capacity of Liberia’s joint security agencies as they continue investigating what authorities describe as one of the country’s largest transnational drug trafficking cases.

The Ministry also appealed to the public, media institutions, and other stakeholders to cooperate with investigators by providing any credible information that could assist the Joint Security in the ongoing probe.

At the same time, it urged citizens to exercise restraint in sharing unverified information and avoid amplifying allegations that could undermine public institutions or compromise the integrity of the investigation.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting Liberia’s national interests, strengthening strategic international partnerships, and supporting the Government of Liberia’s comprehensive efforts to eradicate illicit drug trafficking and all forms of transnational organized crime,” the statement added.

By FrontPageAfrica.