By Wilmot Konah—DN News Liberia Legislative Reporter
Capitol Hill, Monrovia: Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko has accused House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon of compromising legislative oversight into the ongoing investigation of the reported US$19 million drug seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), linking both the Speaker and the Executive Branch to the controversy.
Foko made the allegations Tuesday, June 16, 2026 after walking out of proceedings at the House of Representatives in protest of Speaker Koon’s decision to convene an executive session during the appearance of officials from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
Speaking to Legislative reporters following his departure, Foko said he was disappointed that discussions on a matter of such national significance were being taken away from public view. He argued that Liberians are looking to their lawmakers for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the drug seizure and those responsible for allowing it to occur.
According to the District #9 lawmaker, members of the House had prepared questions for officials of the LDEA, Liberia Revenue Authority, Liberia National Police, Liberia Airport Authority and other agencies responsible for security at the country’s main international gateway.
Foko said those institutions should publicly account for how such a large quantity of narcotics allegedly passed through the airport despite the presence of multiple security and law enforcement agencies. He further claimed that there are allegations suggesting the drugs may be worth significantly more than the reported US$19 million, with some estimates placing the value at approximately US$50 million.
The lawmaker furthered that moving the proceedings into a closed-door session undermined transparency and accountability. He alleged that the Speaker’s action suggested an attempt to shield critical information from public scrutiny and accused the Executive Branch of being aware of what he described as a drug cartel operating within the country. “I am linking the Speaker to the drugs. I am linking the Executive to the drugs,” Foko stated, asserting that the decision to hold an executive session raised serious concerns about the government’s handling of the matter.
He warned that illegal drugs have already had devastating consequences for Liberia’s younger generation and stressed that lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure a transparent investigation in the interest of future generations.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has rescheduled June 29, 2026, for officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and other relevant authorities to provide lawmakers with a detailed update on the investigation. The hearing is expected to give legislators an opportunity to seek answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the drug seizure and the progress made in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
The drug case remains under active investigation and continues to attract significant public attention as authorities work to determine the full scope of the alleged trafficking operation.
