Authorities in Liberia intercepted six cargo containers holding more than 200 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport on June 8.
The shipment was falsely declared as seasoning cubes and was scheduled for transport to the United Kingdom on a Brussels Airlines flight.
Five individuals have been charged in connection with the case, and investigators have identified a UK‑based suspect residing in Birmingham.
Valued at approximately £14 million, the seizure ranks among the largest drug busts in Liberian history and has sparked widespread public outrage.
Further investigations uncovered an additional cache of cocaine estimated at £230 million in a storage facility near Monrovia.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the larger cache was also intended for export to the United Kingdom.
Senator Konneh described the incident as a serious intelligence and security failure, noting that the repackaging of the narcotics for shipment to Britain exposed critical gaps in Liberia’s anti‑drug capabilities.
He emphasized that Liberia lacks advanced detection equipment and canine units, and urged the United Kingdom to enhance cooperation and support to strengthen Liberia’s security infrastructure.
The senator warned that without such assistance, Liberia could become a safe haven and transit point for narcotics destined for the United Kingdom.
Protests erupted in Monrovia following the bust, organized by the coalition Solidarity and Trust for a New Day, demanding a stronger response to drug trafficking.
Group leaders argued that the United Kingdom’s perceived inaction could embolden traffickers and encourage the use of Liberia as a conduit for illegal drugs.
Law enforcement agencies recognize West Africa as a key corridor for cocaine moving from South America to Europe, with an estimated 30 % of the continent’s cocaine shipments passing through the region.
Regional officials continue to work with international partners to disrupt trafficking networks operating in the area.
Another senator expressed confidence that the United Kingdom, known for its robust drug‑enforcement capabilities, will collaborate closely with Liberian authorities.
Brussels Airlines issued a statement confirming awareness of the ongoing investigation and pledged full cooperation with authorities while affirming compliance with all applicable regulations.
Law enforcement agencies declined to provide additional comment on the investigation.
