The discovery of suspected illegal drugs concealed in cargo at Roberts International Airport (RIA), has triggered growing public concern.
As such, many Liberians have demanded a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shipment, and the institutions responsible for securing the main international gateway.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of Global Logistics Services (GLS)-Menzies, the cargo handling company operating under a 25-year concession at that airport.
Citizens, civil society groups, and other stakeholders, have called on investigators to determine whether weaknesses in airport security, cargo screening, or operational procedures contributed to the attempted shipment.
Amid the ongoing investigation, some members of the public have also urged the media to place national interest above personal, or commercial considerations while reporting on the case.
Unverified allegations have recently circulated publicly that some media institutions have received ‘financial support’ to influence coverage of the controversy.
No evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate those claims, and investigators have not officially accused any media organization.
GLS-Menzies has acknowledged that its routine cargo handling, and weight verification procedures detected an irregularity in a shipment presented for acceptance at airport.
The company claimed that the shipment was immediately ‘suspended,’ and the matter reported to the relevant security authorities for investigation.
The company stated that the discrepancy was discovered during a standard weight verification process conducted before the cargo could proceed for loading.
It maintained that the detection demonstrated the effectiveness of its internal operational controls, and compliance with international aviation safety and cargo handling standards.
In a statement issued over the weekend, GLS-Menzies declined to disclose additional details about the shipment, citing the ongoing criminal investigation.
The company said, releasing further information at this stage could interfere with the work of the joint investigation team.
GLS-Menzies explained that its responsibilities at airport begin only after cargo has been screened and cleared by the Security Department of the airport authority.
The company claimed its role is limited to only verifying shipment weights, preparing documentation, and coordinating cargo loading, while the authority does physical inspection, or open cargo rests with airport security officials.
The company described the incident as an “isolated and unprecedented occurrence since the concession began in 2017.”
It argued that the irregularity was identified through its own internal verification procedures, which it says, functioned as intended to prevent questionable cargo from moving through the system.
GLS-Menzies further disclosed that it has fully cooperated with investigators by providing CCTV footage, cargo records, standard operating procedures, and unrestricted access to relevant documents.
The company also confirmed compliance with a subpoena the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County issued as part of the investigation.
As public pressure mounts, many Liberians continue to demand accountability from every institution connected to the shipment.
They insist that the investigation must determine how the suspected drugs entered the airport cargo chain, identify all individuals involved, and ensure that anyone found responsible regardless of status or position is prosecuted in accordance with Liberian law.
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