–GLS Menzies General Manager Now in Joint Security Custody as Investigators Deepen Probe into One of Liberia’s Largest Drug Seizures
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Government of Liberia has confirmed that Paul J. King, General Manager of GLS Menzies and one of the key Persons of Interest in the ongoing investigation into the seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA), has voluntarily presented himself to authorities and is now in the custody of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force.
The confirmation came Saturday in an official statement issued by the Ministry of Justice, which said King, previously listed among individuals being sought by investigators, arrived in Liberia and willingly availed himself to security authorities.
“The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Liberia wishes to inform the Liberian people, in the interest of transparency, that Paul J. King, General Manager of GLS Menzies, previously named as a Person of Interest currently at large in the ongoing investigation into the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport on June 8, 2026, has voluntarily presented himself to the authorities and is now in the custody of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force,” the statement said.
King’s appearance before investigators marks a significant development in a case that has gripped national attention and triggered one of the most extensive anti-narcotics investigations in recent Liberian history.
Assisting Investigators
According to the Ministry of Justice, King is currently being held under the supervision of Joint Security personnel and is expected to assist investigators as they seek to unravel the full chain of criminal responsibility behind the shipment.
Authorities say his cooperation could prove critical in identifying individuals and entities linked to the importation, concealment, transportation, handling, screening, storage, and attempted exportation of the cocaine.
Investigators are reportedly examining every stage of the cargo handling process at Roberts International Airport, while also probing whether previous shipments may have been linked to a broader transnational criminal network.
The seizure, valued at approximately US$19.2 million, occurred on June 8 at the Global Logistics Services (GLS) Menzies Warehouse at Roberts International Airport and has since evolved into a multi-agency investigation involving the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, Customs Authorities, Airport Security, and the Ministry of Justice.
No Presumption of Guilt
While confirming King’s detention, the Ministry of Justice emphasized that being designated a Person of Interest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Officials stressed that King remains entitled to all constitutional protections, including due process, access to legal counsel, and protection from intimidation or mistreatment.
“The Government reaffirms that Mr. King’s designation as a Person of Interest and his current cooperation with investigators do not constitute a determination of guilt,” the Ministry stated.
The government further commended King’s decision to cooperate with authorities, describing it as a step toward accountability and a thorough investigation.
Pressure Mounts on Remaining Persons of Interest
King was among ten individuals publicly identified by the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force earlier this week as Persons of Interest in the investigation.
At the time, authorities disclosed that three individuals were believed to be at large, including King, Oscar Browne, identified as Chief of Intelligence for RIA Security, and Emmanuel T. Zeon, a transporter associated with Express Handling Services (EHS).
With King’s return and subsequent detention, attention is now expected to focus on efforts to locate the remaining individuals still being sought by investigators.
The Ministry of Justice renewed its call for all remaining Persons of Interest to voluntarily present themselves to authorities, warning that national and international efforts to locate and apprehend those connected to the case remain active.
Boakai Vows No Safe Haven
The latest development comes days after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. addressed the nation and vowed that Liberia would not become a safe haven, transit point, warehouse, financial center, or operational base for international drug trafficking networks.
The President ordered a full-scale Joint Security investigation and directed authorities to pursue not only those directly linked to the cocaine shipment but also the broader criminal enterprise behind the operation.
“We are not interested only in intercepting drugs or arresting couriers,” President Boakai declared. “We are determined to expose and destroy the networks that finance, coordinate, facilitate, and profit from this criminal activity.”
Security analysts say King’s cooperation could provide investigators with valuable insight into the movement of the shipment through airport facilities and potentially help establish the complete network behind the operation.
The Ministry of Justice has pledged to continue updating the public as significant developments emerge, while maintaining the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation.
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