Monrovia – The Government of Liberia has disclosed that investigators have uncovered what appears to be a sophisticated network of individuals connected to the movement, handling, screening, storage, and attempted export of cocaine seized at Roberts International Airport (RIA), as authorities intensify their probe into the high-profile US$19 million drug bust.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, speaking on behalf of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, revealed that ongoing interviews and evidence gathering have generated significant leads pointing to a complex criminal operation involving multiple actors within Liberia’s cargo-handling and airport security systems.
The minister’s statement largely corroborates findings from independent investigations by FrontPage Africa, which previously identified several individuals now officially designated by government as Persons of Interest in the case.
The investigation stems from the June 8 seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine discovered at the Global Logistics Services (GLS) Menzies warehouse at Roberts International Airport. Authorities estimate the street value of the narcotics at approximately US$19 million.
According to Cllr. Tweh, the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force—comprising the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, Customs authorities, Airport Security, and the Ministry of Justice—has been conducting an intensive, evidence-driven investigation since its establishment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
“The Joint Investigative Task Force commenced operations and interviews conducted thus far have generated significant evidentiary leads and have revealed a complex network of individuals connected to the movement, handling, processing, screening, storage, and attempted shipment of the cargo that was ultimately discovered to contain cocaine,” Tweh told reporters.
Persons of Interest Identified
Based on evidence collected so far, investigators have designated ten individuals as Persons of Interest:
- Philip Yeoh, Security Manager, GLS Menzies, Roberts International Airport;
- Festus S. Musa, Cargo Handler, GLS Menzies;
- Ruth Gbapaywhea, RIA Scanner Agent;
- Archie Nyanfor, Cargo Handler, Express Handling Services (EHS);
- Arthur B. Abdullai, Chief Executive Officer of Express Handling Services;
- Geraldine Zeon, RIA Scanner Agent;
- Mohammed Gbowrah, Security Director, Roberts International Airport;
- Paul J. King, Chief Executive Officer of GLS Menzies, currently at large;
- Oscar Browne, Chief of Intelligence for RIA Security, currently at large; and
- Emmanuel T. Zeon, Transporter for Express Handling Services, currently at large.
Authorities emphasized that being designated a Person of Interest does not imply guilt but indicates that investigators have identified information requiring further examination.
“The designation of an individual as a Person of Interest does not constitute a determination of guilt,” Tweh stressed. “Every individual remains entitled to the constitutional protections guaranteed under the laws of the Republic of Liberia.”
Investigators Probe Wider Drug Network
The Justice Minister disclosed that investigators are examining whether the June 8 cocaine seizure is linked to a broader criminal enterprise that may have used Liberia as a transit point for narcotics trafficking.
Evidence gathered thus far indicates the shipment passed through several stages of the airport’s cargo handling process before being intercepted. Authorities are now reviewing cargo documentation, operational records, witness statements, financial transactions, surveillance footage, screening logs, access-control records, and electronic communications to determine whether previous shipments may have been connected to the same network.
“The investigation is focused on identifying and dismantling any criminal network that may have facilitated, financed, protected, transported, concealed, exported, or attempted to export these illicit substances through the territory of the Republic of Liberia,” Tweh said.
The government has also secured documentary and electronic evidence to prevent tampering and warned that any attempt to destroy, conceal, alter, or fabricate evidence would constitute a serious criminal offense.
International Assistance
Authorities confirmed that the investigation is receiving operational, intelligence, technical, and regulatory support from international law enforcement partners, reflecting the transnational nature of the case.
The government has further instituted strict protocols governing evidence handling, forensic examinations, witness interviews, intelligence sharing, and interagency coordination to ensure that any future prosecutions can withstand judicial scrutiny.
Witness protection measures are also being developed to encourage individuals with relevant information to cooperate with investigators without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
Government Issues Warning
In one of the strongest statements since the investigation began, the Justice Minister issued a direct warning to individuals who remain at large, urging them to surrender.
“National and international efforts are underway to locate and apprehend all Persons of Interest connected to this matter,” he said. “Those who attempt to evade justice will find that time does not diminish the reach of the law.”
The government pledged to continue providing updates as the investigation progresses, while maintaining that protecting the integrity of the case remains paramount.
The June 8 seizure has become one of Liberia’s most significant drug interdictions in recent history and has intensified scrutiny of security and cargo-screening procedures at Roberts International Airport amid growing concerns about the country’s vulnerability to international narcotics trafficking networks.
