Liberian authorities have seized 3,971 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $317 million, marking one of the country's largest drug busts as West Africa remains a key transit hub for cocaine bound for Europe.
The drugs were discovered in Duazon, east of the capital, Monrovia, according to Liberia's Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman. Authorities arrested two foreign nationals in connection with the seizure—one holding both Spanish and Colombian passports and the other carrying a Serbian passport, Reuters reported.
Investigators trace the network
Officials have yet to determine the cocaine's country of origin. Coleman said forensic analysis and an examination of the markings on the packages will help investigators trace where the shipment came from.
The latest operation follows another major seizure in June, when Liberian authorities intercepted 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $19 million at Roberts International Airport. That shipment, which originated in neighbouring Sierra Leone and was destined for the United Kingdom, was linked to alleged Dutch drug kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe's most wanted fugitives.
