As Public Pressure Mounts:

Liberia’s Joint Security has formally charged five individuals and a logistics company in connection with the attempted export of over 237 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $19 million.

This followed what authorities have termed as one of the country’s largest and most sophisticated transnational drug trafficking investigations.

At a press conference over the weekend, Police Inspector General, Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman, announced the outcome of a Joint Special Investigation launched after security officers intercepted six suspicious cargo boxes in Margibi County at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) on June 7, 2026.

Col. Coleman said investigators concluded the shipment was part of a well-organized international narcotics trafficking network aiming to use Liberia’s aviation cargo system as a transit point for cocaine destined for overseas markets.

Authorities revealed that the six boxes were initially processed for export on June 5, 2026, under a false declaration claiming they contained Maggi cubes and lappas. However, discrepancies in cargo weight, suspicious screening images, and conflicting shipping documentation prevented the shipment from departing that day.

When the cargo was re-screened and physically inspected two days later, officers discovered 198 plates of cocaine weighing approximately 237.6 kilograms concealed inside the boxes.

Laboratory analysis by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency confirmed the substance was cocaine, indicating that the investigation extended beyond the seizure itself.

Investigators traced cargo records, financial transactions, communication logs, digital evidence, airway bills, and witness statements.

The investigation revealed that members of the alleged trafficking network attempted to bribe security personnel, recover the shipment after it had been discovered, and interfere with law enforcement operations.

 Evidence was also uncovered linking the suspects to an earlier shipment in May 2026, allegedly transported using the same methods, false cargo declarations, and operational network.

Based on these findings, the Liberian Joint Security has charged Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS), along with the company itself, with multiple offenses under Liberia’s Amended Controlled Drugs and Substance Act of 2023 and the Revised Penal Code.

Col. Coleman alleged that King and GLS conspired to accept, store, facilitate, and transport the cocaine shipment through the airport cargo chain while providing substantial assistance to the trafficking operation.

The charges include unlicensed exportation, transportation, possession, illicit trafficking of controlled substances, and criminal conspiracy. Col. Coleman also announced charges against Michael U.S. Browne, also known as Rahim or Raheem Bah, in absentia.

Browne is alleged to have organized the shipment, utilized front companies, coordinated the falsely declared cargo, and attempted to recover the cocaine after its seizure.

 Another suspect, Oscar J. Browne, was charged in absentia after investigators alleged he cleared a similar shipment in May and later made repeated phone calls seeking the release of the June cargo after its contents had already been discovered.

Additionally, Emmanuel Kpah was charged for delivering the shipment and the associated cash connected to the cargo transaction. Usman Ali, identified as the consignee based in the United Kingdom, has also been charged in absentia with narcotics trafficking, conspiracy, and criminal solicitation.

 Authorities disclosed that all suspects currently outside Liberia or evading arrest are being pursued through international arrest warrants, extradition procedures, mutual legal assistance treaties, and cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies.

The Police Inspector General emphasized that the investigation remains active, warning that authorities are pursuing financiers, facilitators, airport insiders, couriers, handlers, and foreign collaborators linked to the trafficking network.

He cautioned that any government official, airport employee, security officer, or private company found to have knowingly participated in the operation or attempted to obstruct the investigation would face prosecution.

The government announced an immediate review of cargo security procedures, screening protocols, chain-of-custody systems, and internal safeguards at Roberts International Airport to prevent future trafficking attempts.

Col. Coleman described narcotics trafficking as a direct threat to Liberia’s national security, institutions, and international reputation, sounding stern warning to criminal organizations seeking to use Liberia as a transit route.

 While announcing the charges, the Police Inspector General emphasized that all accused individuals remain entitled to due process and the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.