By Christian Appleton
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) officer, Captain Jerry K. Kollie, has put forward a series of strong recommendations to the government aimed at strengthening the national response to drug trafficking and abuse.
Kollie’s recommendations come just days after a massive “Say No To Drugs” march, which saw thousands of Liberians, civil society organizations, and government officials unite against the country’s escalating drug crisis.
Speaking at a press gathering on Sunday, August 10, 2025, Kollie appealed directly to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, urging him to enact comprehensive reforms to combat the misuse of power, immunity, and influence by drug traffickers.
“There are credible intelligence reports suggesting that certain senior officials may be abusing diplomatic immunity at key entry points like airports and seaports to smuggle or facilitate the smuggling of drugs,” Kollie asserted.
Captain Kollie urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to increase collaboration with foreign governments and diplomatic missions to prevent the exploitation of diplomatic cover by traffickers. He recommended that Liberia implement stricter oversight mechanisms for diplomats and those with diplomatic privileges.
“Diplomatic immunity must not be a shield for criminal activity. It’s essential that all actors—foreign and domestic—are held to the same standards,” he emphasized.
Kollie also called on the National Security Agency (NSA), the Executive Protective Service (EPS), the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), and the Liberia National Police (LNP) to monitor official motorcades more closely. “No one should be above suspicion,” he warned, stating that even high-ranking officials’ convoys should be subject to scrutiny.
In a move that could be seen as controversial, the former AFL officer also called for an end to preferential treatment for religious leaders and celebrities at borders and checkpoints, noting that religious symbols like the Bible and Quran could be used to conceal narcotics. “Celebrities and clerics must also undergo routine searches,” he stated.
On a broader societal level, Kollie encouraged ordinary Liberians to report suspicious behavior, even if it involves family members. “Patriotism also means holding loved ones accountable. Shielding a criminal partner or relative only enables the crisis,” he said.
He also warned that illicit drugs have infiltrated schools, universities, hospitals, and prisons. He urged the Ministries of Education, Justice, and Health to tighten regulations and inspections to prevent these institutions from becoming centers for drug activity.
Captain Jerry K. Kollie, a known anti-narcotic advocate, concluded with a pledge of national commitment: “We, as patriotic citizens, remain committed to supporting any and all legitimate efforts to fight and eliminate illicit drug trafficking, distribution, sale, and abuse in our country.”
The government has yet to officially respond to Captain Kollie’s recommendations, but the growing public demand for stronger anti-drug measures suggests these proposals may soon be part of national policy discussions.
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