By Webster Clayeh
MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has ended its criminal investigation into the seizure of a massive cocaine shipment intercepted at Roberts International Airport, indicting five suspects and a logistics company for their alleged roles in what investigators describe as an international drug trafficking operation.
Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman disclosed on Saturday that the accused will face prosecution following the confiscation of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding US$19 million. Authorities allege the narcotics were being prepared for shipment through Liberia’s air cargo system as part of a broader transnational trafficking network.
Named in the indictment are Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS); the logistics company itself; Michael U.S. Browne, also known as Rahim or Raheem Bah; Oscar J. Browne; Emmanuel Kpah; and Usman Ali, whom investigators identified as the intended consignee based in the United Kingdom. Police said only King and the company are currently within Liberia’s jurisdiction, while the remaining suspects have been charged in absentia after reportedly fleeing the country or remaining overseas.
Investigators said efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the suspects who remain at large. According to the LNP, both domestic arrest warrants and international law enforcement channels are being utilized to facilitate their arrest and eventual appearance before a Liberian court.
The defendants have been accused of violating several provisions of Liberia’s Amended Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2023 and the country’s Revised Penal Code. The charges include alleged unlawful
possession, transportation, exportation, and trafficking of controlled substances, in addition to criminal conspiracy. Authorities further alleged that Usman Ali played a role in encouraging or directing the commission of the offense and has therefore been additionally charged with criminal solicitation.
According to investigators, the cocaine was allegedly concealed inside cargo falsely declared as containing Maggi seasoning cubes and lappas in an apparent attempt to evade detection. Police further alleged that after the shipment was intercepted, members of the suspected trafficking network attempted to retrieve the cargo and obstruct the ongoing investigation.
Inspector General Coleman said the investigative phase has now been completed, clearing the way for prosecutors to present the case before the courts. He stressed that although charges have been filed, every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Police Inspector General also disclosed that investigators are continuing to examine an earlier shipment believed to be connected to the same alleged trafficking network. He noted that the ongoing inquiry could result in additional arrests and criminal charges as authorities work to dismantle the entire operation and identify all individuals who may have participated in the alleged scheme.
