–Three Persons Reported at Large as Justice Ministry Vows to Dismantle Entire Criminal Enterprise Behind Historic Roberts International Airport Seizure
MONROVIA – Liberia’s widening investigation into the seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA) has entered a new phase, with the Ministry of Justice publicly identifying ten Persons of Interest, including senior airport security officials, cargo handlers, and private-sector executives linked to airport operations.
The latest development comes as authorities intensify what has become one of the most significant narcotics investigations in Liberia’s history, amid growing evidence that the cocaine shipment may have been part of a larger transnational trafficking operation.
In a national statement issued Thursday, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh said a Joint National Security Investigative Task Force has uncovered substantial leads pointing to a complex network of individuals connected to the movement, screening, handling, storage, transportation, and attempted export of the illicit drugs.
The investigation was launched following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s directive after the June 8 interception of the cocaine shipment at the Global Logistics Services (GLS) Menzies Warehouse at Roberts International Airport.
Ten Persons of Interest Identified
According to the Justice Ministry, evidence gathered through witness interviews, cargo documentation, operational records, electronic data, and preliminary investigative findings has led authorities to designate ten individuals as Persons of Interest.
Those named include:
- Philip Yeoh, Security Manager, GLS Menzies
- Festus S. Musa, Cargo Handler, GLS Menzies
- Ruth Gbapaywhea, RIA Scanner Agent
- Archie Nyanfor, Cargo Handler, Express Handling Services (EHS)
- Arthur B. Abdullai, Chief Executive Officer of Express Handling Services
- Geraldine Zeon, RIA Scanner Agent
- Mohammed Gbowrah, Security Director, Roberts International Airport
- Paul J. King, Chief Executive Officer, GLS Menzies
- Oscar Browne, Chief of Intelligence, RIA Security
- Emmanuel T. Zeon, Transporter for Express Handling Services
Authorities disclosed that Paul J. King, Oscar Browne, and Emmanuel T. Zeon are currently at large, with efforts underway to locate and apprehend them.
The government stressed that being designated a Person of Interest does not imply criminal guilt but reflects the existence of information requiring further examination.
“The designation of an individual as a Person of Interest does not constitute a determination of guilt,” the Attorney General said. “Every individual remains entitled to the constitutional protections guaranteed under the laws of the Republic of Liberia.”
Probe Expands Beyond June 8 Seizure
Investigators say the focus of the inquiry extends far beyond the drugs intercepted on June 8.
According to the Ministry of Justice, evidence suggests the shipment passed through multiple stages of Liberia’s cargo handling system, raising concerns about whether previous shipments linked to some of the same actors may have been part of a broader criminal enterprise.
“Investigators are examining not only the events surrounding the June 8 seizure but also whether previous shipments associated with the same actors may form part of a broader criminal enterprise operating within and beyond Liberia’s borders,” the statement noted.
Officials believe the case may expose an organized trafficking network involving facilitators, financiers, handlers, and international collaborators.
International Partners Join Investigation
The government confirmed that the investigation is being supported by international law enforcement and intelligence partners as authorities work to trace financial transactions, communication records, cargo movements, and potential overseas connections.
The Joint National Security Investigative Task Force comprises the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Liberia National Police (LNP), National Security Agency (NSA), Executive Protection Service (EPS), Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), customs authorities, airport security personnel, and the Ministry of Justice.
The collaboration follows President Boakai’s recent declaration that Liberia would pursue everyone connected to the shipment, regardless of status or influence.
In a national address earlier this week, the President described the seizure as one of the largest narcotics interdictions ever recorded in Liberia and warned that the country would not serve as a safe haven, transit point, warehouse, or operational base for international drug traffickers.
Evidence Secured
The Attorney General disclosed that investigators have secured extensive documentary and electronic evidence, including cargo manifests, airway bills, surveillance footage, screening logs, financial records, communication data, access-control records, and other materials deemed critical to the case.
Authorities have also directed all institutions, private companies, and individuals connected to the matter to preserve records and electronic data relevant to the investigation.
The Justice Ministry warned that any attempt to conceal, alter, destroy, fabricate, or tamper with evidence would be treated as a serious criminal offense.
Government Targets Entire Drug Network
Officials insist that the government’s objective goes far beyond identifying individuals directly linked to the seized cocaine.
Instead, authorities say they are focused on dismantling the entire criminal structure behind the operation.
“Our objective extends beyond arrests and prosecutions,” Cllr. Tweh declared. “It is focused on identifying and dismantling any criminal network that may have facilitated, financed, protected, transported, concealed, or attempted to export these illicit substances through the territory of the Republic of Liberia.”
The Ministry of Justice says protocols have already been established for witness protection, forensic examinations, intelligence sharing, evidence handling, and interagency coordination to ensure the investigation meets international standards and supports future prosecutions.
Warning to Fugitives
The government also issued a direct warning to individuals who remain outside the reach of investigators.
“To those currently at large, the Government’s message is clear: surrender yourselves to the authorities,” the Attorney General said.
He added that both national and international efforts are underway to locate all Persons of Interest connected to the case.
“Those who attempt to evade justice will find that time does not diminish the reach of the law,” he warned.
Public Awaits Next Developments
The cocaine seizure has dominated national attention since its discovery at Roberts International Airport, prompting calls for accountability and transparency from citizens, lawmakers, and civil society organizations.
With senior airport officials, cargo handlers, and private-sector actors now under investigation, the case has evolved into one of the most consequential criminal probes in recent Liberian history.
As investigators continue to follow financial trails, examine evidence, and pursue those still at large, the government says the public will be updated as significant developments occur.
For now, authorities insist that no lead will be ignored and no individual will be beyond the reach of the investigation.
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