–One Airport Security Official Suspended Indefinitely While Seven Others Placed on Administrative Leave as Authorities Widen Investigation into the US$19.2M Cocaine Seizure at Roberts International Airport
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has placed seven employees on administrative leave and indefinitely suspended another senior airport security official as the Government intensifies its investigation into the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at an estimated US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The latest action represents one of the most sweeping administrative responses yet by a state institution since the June 8 drug bust triggered what has become one of the largest narcotics investigations in Liberia’s recent history.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Airport Authority said the measures were taken after several of its employees were formally invited by the Liberia Joint Security Task Force and other competent state agencies to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The Authority stressed that the actions are administrative and precautionary and should not be interpreted as findings of guilt.
“The Authority confirms that certain employees have been formally invited by the relevant security agencies to assist in the ongoing investigation,” the LAA said.
“In accordance with its statutory mandate, internal governance framework, and applicable labor laws of the Republic of Liberia, the Authority has instituted precautionary administrative actions to ensure the integrity of its operations and to facilitate full cooperation with the investigative process.”
Eight Officials Affected
According to the statement, the following employees have been placed on administrative leave with immediate effect pending both internal administrative reviews and the outcome of the national investigation:
- Nathan E. Watson
- Henry Y. King
- Geraldine C. Zeon
- Ruth G. Gbapawea
- Benjamin Rivercess
- Mohammed Gbowrah
- Roland G. Taylor
In addition, the Authority announced that Oscar J. Brown has been placed on indefinite suspension pending the conclusion of all investigative and administrative proceedings.
Brown, who previously served as Chief of Intelligence within the airport’s security apparatus, had earlier been named by the Ministry of Justice among ten persons of interest identified during the government’s investigation into the cocaine seizure.
The Authority did not disclose the specific roles of the remaining employees or explain why Brown was suspended while the others were placed on administrative leave.
Administrative Action, Not Determination of Guilt
The Airport Authority emphasized that the measures are intended solely to preserve the integrity of airport operations while allowing investigators to conduct their work without interference.
“The measures are administrative and precautionary in nature and shall not be construed as disciplinary findings or determinations of liability,” the Authority said.
It further reaffirmed that every affected employee remains entitled to the constitutional protections guaranteed under Liberian law, including the presumption of innocence, the right to be heard, access to legal representation, and the right to appeal any administrative decisions.
The statement comes as public scrutiny intensifies over security procedures at Roberts International Airport and the role various airport personnel may have played in the movement of the intercepted shipment.
Government Widens Investigation
The Airport Authority’s announcement is the latest development in an investigation that has steadily expanded since authorities intercepted six boxes containing cocaine at the Global Logistics Services (GLS) Menzies warehouse on June 8.
Following the seizure, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai directed the Ministry of Justice to establish a Joint National Security Investigative Task Force comprising the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Liberia National Police (LNP), National Security Agency (NSA), Executive Protection Service (EPS), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Customs authorities, airport security officials, and other relevant agencies.
Last week, Attorney General and Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh announced that investigators had identified a complex network of individuals connected to the movement, handling, screening, storage, transportation, and attempted export of the narcotics.
Ten individuals were subsequently designated as persons of interest, including airport security personnel, scanner operators, cargo handlers, logistics executives, and transportation operators.
Among those named were Paul J. King, Philip Yeoh, Arthur B. Abdullai, Festus S. Musa, Archie Nyanfor, Geraldine Zeon, Ruth Gbapawea, Mohammed Gbowrah, Emmanuel T. Zeon, and Oscar Brown.
Since then, authorities have continued to widen the investigation.
Earlier this week, Paul King returned to Liberia and was immediately taken into custody upon arrival at Roberts International Airport after previously being listed among persons sought by investigators.
President Boakai has also suspended Peter Malcolm King, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), after entities associated with him were identified for further investigative scrutiny.
Meanwhile, leaked testimonies purportedly obtained from some persons of interest have surfaced on social media, prompting renewed public debate over the origins of the shipment and the extent of the alleged trafficking network.
Zero Tolerance for Security Breaches
The Liberia Airport Authority reaffirmed that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any conduct that compromises aviation safety or institutional integrity.
“The Authority maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward conduct that undermines the safety, security, and integrity of Liberia’s civil aviation sector,” the statement noted.
At the same time, management stressed its commitment to fairness and due process, pledging to avoid prejudging any employee before the completion of both administrative and criminal investigations.
The Authority also pledged its full cooperation with national security agencies and reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to Liberia’s legal and regulatory framework.
Employees were reminded of their obligation to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and institutional integrity as investigations continue.
Pressure Mounts on Airport Security
Wednesday’s announcement underscores the widening scope of the government’s effort to determine how such a significant quantity of cocaine passed through Liberia’s principal international airport.
Investigators are examining every stage of the cargo handling process, including screening procedures, access control, cargo documentation, surveillance footage, communication records, financial transactions, and operational protocols.
Authorities have repeatedly stated that the objective extends beyond prosecuting individuals directly connected to the seized shipment.
Instead, the government says it intends to identify and dismantle any criminal organization that may have facilitated the importation, concealment, transportation, storage, or attempted export of illicit narcotics through Liberia.
As the investigation enters a more critical phase, the Airport Authority’s latest administrative actions signal that scrutiny is expanding beyond private logistics companies to include personnel responsible for safeguarding one of Liberia’s most important transportation gateways.
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