Fresh Twist in US$19.2M Drug Probe

By Lincoln G. Peters

Capitol Hill, July 2, 2026 – Tensions flared in the Liberian Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers challenged the Joint Security over its handling of the investigation into the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), questioning why key persons of interest, including GLS Menzies General Manager Paul J. King, have not been arrested.

Appearing before Plenary, Inspector General of Police Col. Gregory Coleman faced sharp questions from senators regarding the progress of the investigation and the status of several individuals linked to the case.

Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe questioned why authorities had not arrested King despite the narcotics being discovered at a cargo warehouse operated by GLS Menzies.

Snowe also sought updates on other persons of interest, including Rahem Bah, Ousman Alie, Oscar Brown, Emmanuel Kpan and Michael Brown.

Responding, Coleman said Rahem Bah, Emmanuel Kpan, Oscar Brown and Michael Brown are currently at large and remain persons of interest, adding that security agencies are working to locate and apprehend them.

On the issue of King’s arrest, Coleman said investigators do not yet have sufficient evidence to establish that the GLS Menzies General Manager knowingly participated in the alleged trafficking operation.

He explained that although the drugs were discovered in a warehouse under the company’s control, investigators must first determine King’s knowledge of or involvement in the shipment before criminal charges can be filed.

Coleman assured senators that the investigation is ongoing and that charges would be brought against individuals once sufficient evidence is obtained.

He further disclosed that Ousman Alie, the alleged consignee in the United Kingdom, has been identified and that Liberian authorities are coordinating with their British counterparts regarding his role in the case.

Unconvinced by the explanation, Senator Snowe argued that the fact that several principal suspects remain at large has cast doubt over the credibility of the investigation.

He warned that unless decisive action is taken, the public could lose confidence in the government’s commitment to dismantling the alleged trafficking network.

Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veterans Affairs, said the investigation has become a major test of the government’s credibility.

He warned that Liberia’s international reputation is at risk and urged the Joint Security to ensure that all those responsible are identified, arrested, prosecuted and, if convicted, punished in accordance with the law.

During the hearing, senators also questioned the circumstances surrounding the release of Michael Brown, a former Roberts International Airport employee who had previously been convicted on drug-related charges and has reportedly resurfaced as a person of interest in the current investigation.

Concerned by the development, the Senate mandated its Committee on Judiciary, Claims and Petitions to conduct a separate investigation into Brown’s release from the Monrovia Central Prison.

Announcing the decision, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence instructed the committee to determine when Brown was released, the legal basis for his release, whether due process was followed, and whether there was any official misconduct.

The committee is expected to report its findings to Plenary as lawmakers continue to monitor the government’s handling of one of Liberia’s largest reported drug trafficking investigations.