MONROVIA, Liberia – The Consulate General of Colombia in Liberia has distanced itself from a Colombian national arrested in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking operation valued at more than US$300 million, saying the suspect has never registered with the diplomatic mission and is unknown to its officials.
Speaking to journalists at the Consulate’s office on Bushrod Island, Administrative Assistant Abenigo B. Pokor said the mission cannot be held responsible for the actions of individuals who fail to establish official contact with the Consulate after arriving in Liberia.
“This is the action of an individual,” Pokor said. “We regret the situation, but the Consulate cannot automatically assume responsibility for someone who is not known to us.”
The suspect was arrested by a joint security operation in the VOA Community near the Roberts International Airport as part of an ongoing investigation into what authorities describe as one of Liberia’s largest alleged cocaine trafficking cases.
Pokor said the Consulate has no record of the suspect in its database, noting that Colombian citizens traveling to or living in Liberia are encouraged to register with the mission so they can receive consular assistance in the event of emergencies.
“In this particular case, we do not have this individual in our database,” he said. “If someone violates the laws of the Republic of Liberia, they must face the full weight of the law.”
He added that the Consulate has had no contact with the suspect since his arrest because officials were unaware of his presence in Liberia before the incident.
“Our role is not to monitor every Colombian who enters Liberia,” Pokor explained. “We only know those who voluntarily register with us.”
The Consulate declined to comment on the details of the ongoing criminal investigation, emphasizing that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of Liberian law enforcement authorities.
“I cannot comment on the investigation because it is being handled by the Liberian authorities,” Pokor said. “It would not be appropriate for me to speculate.”
Pokor also disclosed that the Consulate has not formally notified the Colombian government about the suspect because his identity and nationality have not been officially verified through the diplomatic mission.
“If documents later confirm that the individual is indeed a Colombian citizen and he establishes contact with the Consulate, we will follow the appropriate legal and diplomatic procedures,” he stated.
Responding to suggestions that the Consulate was attempting to distance itself because of the seriousness of the allegations, Pokor rejected the claim, saying the mission’s position is based solely on the fact that it has no official relationship with the suspect.
“We do not know this individual, and he is not registered with us,” he said. “Our responsibility is to represent the Government of Colombia, strengthen diplomatic relations with Liberia, and provide consular services to Colombians who identify themselves to us.”
According to Pokor, fewer than 20 Colombian nationals are officially registered with the Consulate in Liberia, although additional visitors travel to the country temporarily for business, tourism, and other lawful activities.
He urged Colombian citizens visiting Liberia to register with the Consulate upon arrival to ensure they can receive assistance if necessary.
Pokor further revealed that discussions have already been held with Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve information-sharing on the arrival of Colombian nationals, a step he said would strengthen the Consulate’s ability to provide timely consular support.
Reaffirming Colombia’s commitment to its diplomatic ties with Liberia, Pokor stressed that all visitors are expected to respect Liberian laws.
“Liberia is a peaceful country, and we encourage all visitors to respect its laws,” he said. “Anyone who breaks the law must be prepared to face the legal consequences.”
The case comes as Liberian authorities intensify efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking following the high-profile seizure, which has renewed concerns about the country’s vulnerability as a transit point for international narcotics networks.
Investigations into the alleged cocaine trafficking operation remain ongoing. The Liberian government has not concluded its probe, and the allegations against the suspect will be determined through the country’s judicial process. Until a court reaches a verdict, the suspect remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
