The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has issued a dramatic 72-hour ultimatum to President Joseph Boakai’s administration, demanding the immediate release of evidence to substantiate explosive claims that a “drug cartel” has infiltrated the Liberian media.
The ultimatum follows remarks by Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman, who alleged during a national press briefing that drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) had “infused monies into the media to change the narrative, distract key players in the investigation, and sow discord.” The statement, delivered on the Ministry of Information’s official platform in the presence of top security officials, has triggered outrage across the journalism community.
PUL President Julius Kanubah condemned the allegation as a “reckless and blanket indictment” of Liberian media, warning that failure to produce evidence would be met with decisive action to defend the integrity of journalism. “The police IG, having made this grave claim, is under obligation to reveal the names of cartel members and media actors allegedly involved in pay to play transactions,” Kanubah declared.
The controversy stems from Liberia’s ongoing probe into the seizure of more than $300 million worth of illicit cocaine. Coleman’s assertion that DTOs had compromised the press was made alongside senior officials including Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Executive Protection Service Director Sam Gaye, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency Officer in Charge Fitzgerald Biago, and Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah.
Although Minister Piah attempted to clarify that Coleman’s remarks did not implicate the entire media landscape, the PUL insists the government must name specific outlets or individuals accused of collusion. The Union argues that vague accusations not only endanger journalists but also erode public trust and weaken democratic governance.
Kanubah further questioned why authorities have not apprehended or prosecuted the alleged cartel members and compromised media actors if such transactions have indeed been verified. “If the government has evidence, why are arrests not being made? Why are prosecutions not underway?” he asked.
The PUL emphasized that journalism cannot be subjected to sweeping, unsubstantiated claims that place reporters at risk and undermine press freedom. The Union warned that such rhetoric damages Liberia’s democratic fabric and distracts from the urgent need to confront organized crime with transparency and accountability.
This is not the first time the Boakai administration has been accused of targeting the press. The PUL noted a pattern of blanket accusations against journalists, particularly amid critical reporting on government agencies and the Liberia National Police itself — where senior officers have been implicated in the cocaine scandal.
As the ultimatum clock ticks, the confrontation between Liberia’s media and its security establishment underscores a deepening crisis of trust. For the PUL, the demand is clear: produce evidence or face consequences. For the Boakai government, the challenge is equally stark — either substantiate the allegations or risk further erosion of credibility at home and abroad.
