Monrovia– Pressure is mounting on the Ministry of Justice to arrest and pursue the extradition of executives and other individuals linked to the ongoing investigation into the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19 million at Roberts International Airport, even as one of the key figures in the case, Paul J. King, has voluntarily returned to Liberia and surrendered to investigators.
By Selma Lomax | selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
King, General Manager of GLS Menzies and one of several individuals designated by authorities as persons of interest, is now in the custody of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force after presenting himself to investigators, the Ministry of Justice announced Sunday.
His return comes amid growing public demands for stronger action against individuals linked to the drug investigation, following the release of a series of CCTV videos by activist Martin Kollie and reports published by Verity News that have intensified scrutiny of the case.
The Ministry said King is being held under the supervision of joint security personnel and is assisting investigators probing the June 8 seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport.
“His cooperation is expected to support the Task Force’s efforts to establish the complete network of individuals and entities linked to the importation, concealment, transportation, and attempted exportation of the narcotics in question,” the Ministry said in a statement.
King had previously been listed among individuals being sought by the Joint Investigative Task Force. His brother, Peter King, and several others have also been named as persons of interest in the expanding investigation.
Despite King’s surrender, calls continue to grow for authorities to elevate several individuals from “persons of interest” to criminal suspects and to pursue extradition proceedings against those believed to be outside Liberia.
Anti-drug advocates and civil society actors argue that evidence emerging from recent reports and video footage warrants stronger legal action against those allegedly connected to the trafficking network.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh recently disclosed that the designation of persons of interest was based on witness statements, cargo documentation, operational records and preliminary investigative findings.
In addition to the King brothers, others named by investigators include Philip Yeoh, Security Manager of GLS Menzies at Roberts International Airport; Festus S. Musa, Cargo Handler at GLS Menzies; Ruth Gbapaywhea, RIA Scanner Agent; Archie Nyanfor, Cargo Handler at Express Handling Services; Arthur B. Abdullai, Chief Executive Officer of EHS; Geraldine Zeon, RIA Scanner Agent; Mohammed Gbowrah, Security Director at Roberts International Airport; Oscar Browne, Chief of Intelligence for RIA Security; and Emmanuel T. Zeon, identified as a transporter for EHS.
Activist Martin Kollie has criticized what he describes as the slow pace of the investigation.
“Mr. Justice Minister, we have observed that you are acting too slowly to take some very serious actions against the main actors or ‘big fishes,’” Kollie said.
He has called on authorities to freeze the accounts of GLS Menzies and EHS Africa Logistics, obtain telephone records from telecommunications companies, and take stronger legal action against those identified during the investigation.
The Ministry of Justice, however, emphasized that King’s status as a person of interest does not amount to a determination of guilt and reiterated that he is entitled to all constitutional protections, including due process, access to legal counsel and protection from mistreatment while in custody.
“The Government of Liberia commends Mr. King’s voluntary cooperation as a step toward full accountability and reiterates its commitment to a thorough, evidence-based, and impartial investigation that follows the facts wherever they lead, regardless of position, influence, or status,” the Ministry stated.
Authorities also renewed their appeal for all remaining persons of interest to surrender to investigators, warning that national and international efforts to locate outstanding individuals remain active.
“The reach of the law will not diminish with time,” the Ministry said.
Anti-drug advocates say the case has become a major test of the government’s commitment to combating organized narcotics trafficking.
“The Liberian people are looking for confidence that this investigation is moving beyond routine procedures and toward meaningful accountability,” said anti-drug campaigner Kingsley Smith.
Another advocate, Joseph Kortu, said the allegations have exposed potential weaknesses in airport security and cargo handling operations.
“These issues deserve serious attention because they touch on national security and public trust,” Kortu said.
Jake Slewon Naila warned that the case could have broader international implications.
“The international community is paying close attention to this investigation because it involves allegations of transnational drug trafficking,” he said.
As investigators continue their work, Paul King’s surrender marks a significant development in the case. However, growing public pressure for arrests, prosecutions and possible extraditions indicates that demands for accountability are unlikely to subside anytime soon.
