FLY Gives Joint Security Seven-Day Ultimatum, Threatens Peaceful Sit-In Over US$19.2 Million Cocaine Investigation

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ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), Liberia’s statutory National Youth Council, has given the Joint Security seven days to provide a comprehensive public update on the ongoing investigation into the reported US$19.2 million cocaine case, warning that it will stage a peaceful sit-in at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police (LNP) if no meaningful progress is made.

In a statement issued Thursday, FLY commended the Liberian Senate for convening a public hearing to receive updates from the Joint Security regarding the investigation. The organization praised the Senate for exercising its constitutional oversight responsibility and responding to growing public demands for transparency and accountability in one of Liberia’s largest reported drug trafficking cases.

Despite acknowledging the work undertaken by security agencies, FLY expressed concern over what it described as the slow pace of the investigation and questions raised during the Senate hearing about whether all persons of interest are receiving equal scrutiny under the law.

“The young people of Liberia are the greatest victims of drug abuse,” the organization said. “We are demanding nothing less than justice, full accountability, and equal application of the law.”

According to FLY, if the investigation is intended to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the importation and attempted exportation of approximately 237 kilograms of cocaine, then every individual identified through credible investigative evidence must be investigated without fear or favor.

“There must be no selective justice, no sacred cows, and no one above the law,” the statement emphasized.

The youth organization also referenced discussions during the Senate hearing in which Michael Browne was mentioned in connection with the investigation. FLY said the Liberian people deserve clarity on whether all necessary investigative steps have been taken regarding Browne and any other individuals identified during the investigation.

“Equal justice requires that every credible lead be pursued thoroughly, professionally, and impartially,” the statement noted.

FLY further expressed disappointment with what it described as the current posture of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). According to the organization, the agency was created to serve as Liberia’s lead institution in combating illicit drugs but is increasingly being perceived as operating under the shadow of the Liberia National Police instead of exercising the independence granted under its statutory mandate.

The organization called on the Director General of the LDEA to demonstrate stronger leadership, restore public confidence in the agency’s independence, and lead the fight against drug trafficking with professionalism and courage. It added that if the current leadership is unable to fulfill that responsibility, it should make way for leadership capable of doing so.

FLY warned that the cocaine investigation must not end without accountability.

“This case cannot simply fade away,” the organization declared. “There must be accountability.”

The group is calling on the Joint National Security to provide the Liberian people with a detailed public update within seven days outlining the lawful and concrete steps taken to advance the investigation, including the status of all persons of interest identified through the investigative process.

According to FLY, Liberia’s youth continue to bear the heaviest burden of the country’s growing drug crisis.

“We are burying our friends. We are watching families destroyed, and we are seeing the hopes and futures of countless young Liberians consumed by illicit drugs,” the statement said. “We cannot remain silent while this crisis threatens an entire generation.”

The organization reaffirmed its willingness to work with the Government of Liberia and national security institutions in combating drug trafficking, while stressing that it remains committed to allowing the investigative process to proceed.

However, it warned that if no meaningful and verifiable progress is made within the next seven days, it will mobilize young people from across the country to stage a peaceful sit-in at the Liberia National Police headquarters.

According to FLY, the planned protest will be peaceful, lawful, and conducted in accordance with the constitutional right of citizens to participate in civic activities. The organization said demonstrators will remain at the LNP headquarters until the Liberian people are presented with clear and documented evidence that meaningful progress is being made in the investigation.

FLY concluded by emphasizing that its position is not politically motivated but driven by concern for the future of Liberia’s youth.

“This is not about politics,” the statement said. “It is about the survival of a generation. We owe it to every young Liberian whose life has been stolen, damaged, or placed at risk by illicit drugs to demand accountability from every institution entrusted with protecting our nation.”

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and equal justice, pledging to support every lawful effort aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and safeguarding the future of Liberia’s young people.