MONROVIA, Liberia — August 12, 2026 — The investigation into Liberia’s seizure of 237.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine has taken a major turn, with Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) officer Moses Jallah now facing eight criminal charges after authorities reportedly rearrested him at Roberts International Airport (RIA) following an alleged attempt to leave the country.
Jallah, a former LDEA commander assigned to RIA, had initially been charged with three offenses following the June seizure. According to a police charge sheet dated August 10, 2026, the Ministry of Justice has now charged and forwarded him to the Monrovia City Court on criminal facilitation, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, illicit drugs trafficking, bribery, hindering law enforcement, obstruction of government function, and tampering with a criminal investigation.
The development represents a significant escalation in a case that has evolved from the seizure of a major cocaine shipment into a broader investigation into alleged attempts to compromise law-enforcement operations and secure the release of the narcotics.
Rearrest at RIA Triggers New Charges
Jallah’s latest legal troubles follow his reported rearrest at RIA after authorities allegedly discovered that he was attempting to leave Liberia, days after his release in connection with the investigation.
His initial charges reportedly included hindering law enforcement, obstruction of government function, and tampering with a criminal investigation.
The subsequent investigation by a Special Investigation Team established by the Ministry of Justice has now produced the expanded eight-count charge sheet.
The case places a serving law-enforcement officer at the center of an investigation into one of Liberia’s largest reported cocaine seizures, while raising broader questions about whether individuals within security and law-enforcement structures attempted to interfere with the handling of the shipment.
How the US$19.2 Million Cocaine Shipment Was Discovered
According to the charge sheet, the investigation began after six boxes declared as general cargo containing lappas and Maggi cubes were processed for shipment to London, England, aboard Brussels Airlines.
The consignment was initially declared to weigh approximately 200 kilograms, but airport handlers reportedly identified a discrepancy in the weight, prompting additional screening.
A physical examination conducted on June 7 allegedly uncovered a white powdery substance inside one of the boxes that investigators identified as suspected cocaine.
Authorities subsequently placed the total weight of the suspected narcotics at approximately 237.6 kilograms, with an estimated street value of more than US$19 million.
The discovery triggered a multi-agency investigation involving the Ministry of Justice, LDEA, airport security and other national-security actors.
Authorities Allege US$100,000 Offer
A central part of the government’s case concerns allegations that individuals connected to the shipment attempted to secure its release through payments to law-enforcement and security personnel.
The charge sheet names businessman George Harris, also known as Leroy Harris, owner of Private Bar in Paynesville, as an alleged participant in efforts to have the shipment released.
Investigators allege that Harris contacted LDEA officers stationed at RIA, including Commander Clarence Clarke and Deputy Commander Moses Jallah, and offered as much as US$100,000 to facilitate the release of the shipment.
Although the suspected cocaine was not released, investigators allege that Jallah later met Harris at Private Bar on the night of June 7.
According to the charge sheet, Harris reportedly told investigators that he gave Jallah US$5,000 during the meeting to facilitate the exchange or substitution of the seized cocaine with another substance.
Those allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
Jallah Denies Wrongdoing
Jallah has denied wrongdoing in his statement to investigators and offered a substantially different account of his involvement.
According to the charge sheet, Jallah said his superior, Clarence Clarke, informed him about intelligence concerning a suspicious package at the RIA cargo warehouse and instructed him to ensure that outgoing cargo was thoroughly inspected.
Jallah said he proceeded to the cargo area, stopped a DHL vehicle and conducted an inspection before being joined by Clarke and other intelligence personnel.
He said investigators subsequently located and physically examined the suspicious package.
Jallah also reportedly told investigators that Harris contacted him through WhatsApp while he was at the airport and offered US$100,000 if the inspection was stopped and the shipment allowed to leave.
Jallah said he immediately informed Clarke about the alleged offer and that Clarke told him Harris had made a similar request to him.
The former LDEA commander further maintained that he had previously received intelligence concerning Harris and an anticipated shipment of illicit drugs that was allegedly expected to enter Liberia through the Freeport of Monrovia disguised as onions and candies.
He said he subsequently shared that intelligence with his superiors.
Private Bar Meeting Comes Under Scrutiny
Jallah’s meeting with Harris at Private Bar has become another significant element of the investigation.
Jallah reportedly told investigators that he went to the establishment to follow up on information from their telephone conversation and gather additional intelligence.
He maintained that after speaking with Harris, he left the establishment and reported the information to his superior.
Investigators, however, reached a different conclusion.
The charge sheet alleges that Jallah knew Harris was connected to the cocaine shipment but failed to arrest him or immediately report the meeting to his superiors.
Authorities further allege that Jallah had prior discussions with Harris about an expected shipment of illicit drugs and subsequently met him privately after the cocaine had been seized.
Investigators characterize the alleged US$5,000 payment as an effort to facilitate the swapping of the seized cocaine and its return to Harris and other alleged conspirators.
Investigation Widens Beyond Jallah
The investigation also refers to alleged communications involving other individuals connected to the shipment, including Paul Jamaal J. King and Philip Yeoh Jr., as well as airport security personnel.
According to the charge sheet, King initially arranged documentation for the six boxes. After the suspected cocaine was discovered, investigators allege that efforts were made to negotiate with airport security personnel for the release of the consignment.
The allegations suggest that investigators are examining not only the individuals who allegedly transported or arranged the shipment but also the network of contacts and officials who may have had access to the cargo or the authority to influence its handling.
Questions over who knew about the shipment, who communicated with security personnel, who allegedly attempted to secure its release and whether any official sought to compromise the investigation are now central to the case.
A Bigger Test for Liberia’s Drug Enforcement System
Jallah’s expanded charges come amid heightened scrutiny of Liberia’s drug-enforcement institutions following the discovery of the cocaine shipment.
The case has moved beyond a conventional narcotics investigation and into a broader test of the country’s ability to protect major drug seizures from internal interference while holding accountable officials suspected of compromising law-enforcement operations.
The government’s case against Jallah, however, remains allegations at this stage. He is entitled to due process and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors expected to determine whether additional charges or defendants will emerge as authorities continue examining the alleged network surrounding the 237.6-kilogram cocaine shipment.
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