–Charge Sheet Alleges GLS Manager Described How Six Boxes Were Prepared for Shipment to London, Named Overseas Consignee, and Recounted Events Leading to Roberts International Airport Drug Seizure
MONROVIA – Newly disclosed excerpts from a Ministry of Justice police charge sheet provide the most detailed account yet of what investigators say Paul Jamaal King, one of the principal suspects in Liberia’s alleged US$19.2 million cocaine trafficking case, told police during questioning following his arrest.
The statement, contained in a Special Investigation Team charge sheet dated July 6, 2026, outlines King’s version of events as recorded by investigators after he was informed of his constitutional rights and interviewed in the presence of his legal counsel.
While King reportedly denied knowingly participating in drug trafficking, investigators allege that he acknowledged playing a central role in arranging the shipment of six boxes that authorities later say were found to contain approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The allegations contained in the police document have not been tested in court, and King, like every accused person, remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
“I Arranged the Shipment”
According to the charge sheet, King told investigators that he served as General Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS) and admitted coordinating arrangements for six boxes destined for London, England.
Police allege King said he contacted Arthur B. Abdullai, General Manager of Express Handling Services (EHS), through WhatsApp on Friday, June 5, requesting that an Air Waybill be prepared for the shipment.
Investigators say King acknowledged providing the consignee’s name as Usman Ali, together with a Birmingham, England address, telephone number, and instructions for the shipment to travel aboard a Brussels Airlines flight to Heathrow Airport.
According to police, King further stated that the shipment was described on the Air Waybill as containing Maggi cubes and lappas, common Liberian household and cultural items frequently shipped overseas.
Six Boxes Collected From His Residence
Investigators also allege that King admitted the six boxes were collected from his residence in the VP Road Community, Old Road Sinkor.
According to the charge sheet, King said he personally handed over the shipment together with US$2,150 intended to cover freight processing and shipping expenses.
Police say the boxes were then transported to Roberts International Airport for processing before their intended departure for the United Kingdom.
Shipment Delayed
The police account indicates that King explained the consignment was initially expected to leave Liberia on June 5.
However, investigators say the shipment was delayed after issues arose concerning an amended Air Waybill and therefore remained at the airport awaiting the next available flight.
That delay, police allege, ultimately led to the physical inspection that uncovered the suspected cocaine.
Discovery at Roberts International Airport
According to investigators, airport security officials, together with personnel from GLS Menzies, opened one of the six boxes during routine physical inspection on Sunday, June 7.
Police say officers immediately discovered a white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.
The charge sheet alleges that Emmanuel Zeon, who had accompanied the shipment as a proxy, left the inspection area immediately after the suspected narcotics were discovered.
Airport supervisors subsequently secured the shipment while notifying senior company officials and law enforcement authorities.
Alleged Calls After Discovery
Perhaps the most significant portion of King’s alleged statement concerns what investigators say occurred after airport personnel discovered the suspected drugs.
According to police, King admitted speaking by telephone with Philip Yeoh Jr., GLS Menzies’ Safety and Security Manager, after learning that suspicious substances had been found inside the shipment.
Investigators allege King instructed Yeoh to discuss with airport security the possibility of releasing the six boxes.
Police further claim King supplied two telephone numbers, telling Yeoh that individuals were traveling to Roberts International Airport carrying money intended for airport security personnel.
According to the charge sheet, one of those individuals was allegedly Michael U.S. Browne, also known as Rahim or Polo Bah, whom investigators identify as an alleged accomplice.
Police allege Browne later contacted another airport security official and purportedly offered US$10,000 in an effort to secure release of the shipment.
These allegations remain before the court and have not been proven.
Deleted WhatsApp Messages
Investigators further allege that King acknowledged deleting portions of his WhatsApp conversations with Philip Yeoh after learning that the shipment had been intercepted.
Police say the alleged deletion of those conversations raised additional suspicions during the investigation.
The charge sheet also references an alleged telephone conversation between King and Michael U.S. Browne in the early hours of June 7.
According to investigators, Browne allegedly sought to reassure King, telling him not to worry because “this is the business we are doing” and informing him that individuals were already traveling to Roberts International Airport despite heavy rainfall.
Denies Criminal Intent
Despite the allegations, investigators say King consistently denied knowingly participating in cocaine trafficking.
According to the charge sheet, he maintained that he arranged shipment of the six boxes as part of his professional responsibilities and denied any knowledge that the consignment allegedly contained illicit narcotics.
Police nevertheless concluded that the evidence gathered during the investigation justified multiple criminal charges against him.
Charges Before the Court
The Ministry of Justice has charged King with importation of controlled substances, illicit drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, unlawful possession, and transportation of controlled substances under Liberia’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
He is among five individuals formally charged in connection with the attempted export of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at about US$19.2 million, through Roberts International Airport.
The case has attracted widespread national attention and intensified calls for greater accountability within Liberia’s aviation, security, and anti-narcotics sectors.
The allegations contained in the police charge sheet represent the prosecution’s version of events and will ultimately be tested during judicial proceedings. Under Liberian law, all accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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