Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has announced criminal charges against five individuals and a logistics company in connection with the seizure of more than US$19 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA), describing the case as a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking operation.
Addressing the nation on Saturday, Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman said the charges followed a Joint National Security Investigation ordered by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai after authorities intercepted a shipment containing 237.6 kilograms of cocaine concealed in six cargo boxes on June 7, 2026.
According to Coleman, the shipment had been falsely declared as containing Maggi cubes and lappas for export but was discovered during a physical inspection after security personnel identified discrepancies in the cargo documentation and screening images.
Police have charged Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS), and Global Logistics Services (GLS) with multiple offenses, including unlicensed exportation, transportation, possession, and illicit trafficking of controlled substances, as well as criminal conspiracy.
Authorities also charged Michael U.S. Browne, also known as Rahim or Raheem Bah; Oscar J. Browne; Emmanuel Kpah; and Usman Ali, identified as the consignee based in the United Kingdom. The four suspects have been charged in absentia after investigators linked them to organizing, facilitating, and attempting to recover the cocaine shipment after it was intercepted.
Inspector General Coleman disclosed that investigators uncovered evidence suggesting the network had successfully moved a similar shipment through the airport in May 2026 using the same concealment method and false cargo declarations. He said the findings indicate that the June seizure was part of an organized criminal enterprise rather than an isolated incident.
He further revealed that investigators found evidence of attempts to bribe security officers and interfere with the seizure after the drugs were discovered.
Coleman said arrest warrants have been issued for suspects believed to be outside Liberia, adding that law enforcement agencies are pursuing international cooperation, including extradition and mutual legal assistance, to bring them to justice.
The Inspector General emphasized that investigations remain ongoing and warned that any public official, airport worker, security officer, or private entity found to have aided the trafficking network or obstructed the investigation would face prosecution.
While reaffirming the suspects’ constitutional right to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court, Coleman vowed that Liberia would not become a transit route for international drug traffickers.
“This investigation will continue. This network will be pursued. And this case will not be buried,” he declared.
