MONROVIA – The STAND-Led Liberia Protest Coalition has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), demanding the public disclosure of all individuals and entities allegedly connected to the recent seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
The coalition, which is organizing the planned July 17, 2026, “Lead or Leave” peaceful protest, said the continued withholding of names linked to one of Liberia’s largest drug interceptions has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the country’s fight against narcotics trafficking.
In a statement issued by STAND Lead Campaigner Mulbah K. Morlu, the coalition said Liberians deserve to know who is allegedly behind the massive shipment and whether all individuals connected to the case are being subjected to equal scrutiny under the law.
According to STAND, several days have passed since authorities announced the seizure, yet the identities of the alleged masterminds and key figures connected to the shipment remain unknown to the public. The coalition rejected suggestions that the transnational nature of the investigation should justify prolonged secrecy.
The group argued that transparency is critical to maintaining public confidence in law enforcement institutions and demonstrating that no individual, regardless of status or influence, is above the law.
While acknowledging the efforts of officers involved in the operation, STAND commended the Government of the United States and other international partners whose intelligence-sharing, cooperation, and technical assistance reportedly contributed to the successful interception of the narcotics shipment.
The coalition stressed that the true measure of Liberia’s commitment to combating drug trafficking would not be determined solely by the seizure itself. Instead, it said success should be judged by whether the owners, financiers, facilitators, beneficiaries, and protectors of the shipment are identified and prosecuted where evidence warrants.
“Liberians want accountability, not public relations victories,” the statement emphasized.
STAND further called on the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, and other international partners to support an independent and internationally monitored investigation into the case. The coalition also urged similar scrutiny of other unresolved narcotics-related matters that have generated significant public concern over the years.
The coalition, which says it comprises more than 37 civil society organizations, political groups, student movements, community organizations, and pro-democracy activists, stated that it supports a thorough investigation that follows every lead and applies equal scrutiny to all suspects regardless of wealth, social standing, political affiliation, or influence.
A significant portion of the statement focused on allegations concerning twin Liberian brothers, Paul King and Peter King, who have been linked by various reports and allegations to a wider narcotics trafficking network.
According to STAND, information reviewed from multiple sources suggests allegations of a broader operation involving warehouse facilities at the Freeport of Monrovia, freight-forwarding activities, and a logistics network extending to Roberts International Airport.
The coalition emphasized that these allegations remain unproven and must be independently verified through a transparent investigative process. However, it argued that the seriousness of the claims warrants immediate attention from both national and international investigators.
STAND expressed concern that while such allegations continue to circulate, several individuals widely perceived as lower-level actors remain in detention. Among those mentioned by the coalition were Mohammed Gbowrah, Ruth Gbapaywhea, Archie, Festu Musa, Philip Yeoh, and a cook reportedly employed by Peter King. The coalition noted reports indicating that Peter King remains at large, though it stressed the need for investigators to establish facts through evidence-based inquiries.
The coalition maintained that the scale of the drug seizure requires investigators to examine every person and institution with authority, access, oversight responsibilities, security functions, or operational control connected to the shipment.
According to the statement, investigators should determine what information was available before the shipment arrived, whether any warnings were issued, what procedures were followed, and whether negligence, abuse of office, institutional failures, protection networks, or criminal conduct contributed to the movement of narcotics through Liberia.
As part of its call for comprehensive accountability, STAND urged investigators to scrutinize all relevant institutions and officials whose responsibilities intersect with security, customs, port operations, and cargo clearance procedures.
The coalition specifically referenced Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman and the Liberia National Police, Freeport of Monrovia Managing Director Sekou Dukuly and relevant port authorities, National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods and other security institutions, as well as the Political Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and any Executive Mansion officials who may possess information relevant to the investigation.
The statement also called for examination of customs officials, immigration officers, airport security personnel, freight-forwarding operators, cargo clearance agents, and any public officials whose duties were connected to the shipment.
STAND clarified that its call for scrutiny should not be interpreted as an accusation of wrongdoing against any individual or institution. Rather, the coalition said Liberians deserve assurance that every person with responsibility, authority, influence, or access is being subjected to the same level of investigation as those already detained.
The coalition reiterated its support for a swift, professional, and impartial investigation aimed at establishing guilt or innocence through evidence. However, it stressed that no suspect should receive special treatment and that no institution should be shielded from scrutiny.
“Equal justice under the law requires that all persons suspected of involvement be subjected to the same level of scrutiny, arrest, detention, and prosecution where warranted by evidence,” the statement said.
As part of its 72-hour ultimatum, STAND called on the LDEA to publicly release the identities of all suspects and persons of interest connected to the shipment. The coalition also demanded the publication of relevant cargo manifests, shipping records, the names of importers and consignees, freight-forwarding entities, associated companies linked to the shipment, and details regarding customs, airport, port, and security clearances.
Additionally, the coalition requested information on any public officials currently under investigation and a comprehensive update on the status of the case.
The statement concluded with a warning that Liberia cannot effectively combat narcotics trafficking through secrecy, selective justice, politically convenient investigations, or the protection of powerful individuals.
According to STAND, defeating the country’s growing drug problem will require transparency, accountability, and the equal application of the law to all citizens, regardless of their position or influence in society.
The coalition warned that public confidence in Liberia’s anti-drug efforts will depend largely on whether authorities demonstrate a willingness to pursue every lead and ensure that no individual becomes a “sacred cow” in the ongoing investigation.
