–Peter Malcolm King Removed from National Oil Company Board Pending Outcome of Widening US$19.2 Million cocaine Investigation as Authorities Intensify Scrutiny of Individuals and Entities Linked to the Case
MONROVIA, June 22, 2026 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has suspended Peter Malcolm King from his position as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), making him the first high-profile public official to be removed from office as a result of the government’s ongoing investigation into the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The Executive Mansion announced Monday that the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending the outcome of the Joint National Security Investigation into what authorities have described as one of the largest narcotics seizures in Liberia’s history.
According to a statement issued by Presidential Press Secretary Atty. Kula B.N. Fofana, President Boakai’s decision followed a briefing from the Ministry of Justice and the Joint Investigative Task Force, which identified entities associated with Peter King among those requiring further investigative scrutiny.
The Presidency emphasized that the suspension is an administrative action intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and maintain public confidence in state institutions.
“The President’s action is intended to protect the integrity of the investigation, preserve public confidence in public institutions, and avoid any appearance of interference with the investigative process,” the Executive Mansion said.
Investigation Expands Beyond Airport Personnel
The suspension represents a significant escalation in a case that has already shaken Liberia’s security and aviation sectors. The investigation began after authorities intercepted approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at an estimated US$19.2 million at the Global Logistics Services (GLS) Menzies warehouse at Roberts International Airport on June 8.
Since then, investigators have widened their focus beyond airport operations and cargo handling procedures to examine what they believe may be a broader criminal network operating within and beyond Liberia.
The Ministry of Justice recently disclosed that evidence gathered thus far points to a complex chain involving individuals connected to the handling, processing, screening, transportation, storage, and attempted exportation of the narcotics.
Authorities have repeatedly stated that their objective is not only to identify those directly involved in the shipment but also to dismantle any criminal enterprise responsible for financing, facilitating, or protecting the operation.
Family Connection Draws Attention
Peter King’s suspension comes amid growing public attention to the role of his brother, Paul J. King, the General Manager of GLS Menzies and one of ten individuals named by Joint Security as Persons of Interest in the case.
Paul King was among three individuals initially reported to be at large after the Ministry of Justice publicly released a list of Persons of Interest connected to the investigation. However, he later returned to Liberia through Roberts International Airport and was immediately taken into custody by security authorities.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh subsequently confirmed that King was cooperating with investigators as part of the ongoing probe. While authorities have not publicly accused Peter King of any wrongdoing, the decision to suspend him reflects the increasing sensitivity surrounding individuals and institutions connected to the case.
No Presumption of Guilt
The Executive Mansion was careful to stress that the suspension should not be interpreted as evidence of guilt. Officials emphasized that Peter King remains entitled to all constitutional protections and due process guarantees under Liberian law.
“This action does not constitute a finding of guilt against Mr. King, nor should it be interpreted as a prejudgment of the outcome of the investigation,” the Presidency stated.
“The suspension is intended solely to ensure that the investigative process proceeds independently, transparently, and without undue influence.” The government also urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to complete their work based on evidence.
Boakai Reinforces Anti-Drug Stance
The latest development aligns with President Boakai’s increasingly hardline posture on narcotics trafficking. In a recent address to the nation following the seizure, the President declared that Liberia would not become a transit point, operational base, warehouse, or safe haven for international drug trafficking organizations.
“Whether they operate within Liberia or beyond our borders, whether they are private citizens, public officials, financiers, facilitators, or foreign actors, they will face the full force of the law,” Boakai said.
The President also directed that the investigation be conducted under the authority of the National Security Council with support from multiple domestic and international law enforcement partners.
Pressure Builds for More Action
The cocaine seizure has become one of the most consequential criminal investigations in Liberia in recent years, generating intense public interest and renewed concerns about the country’s vulnerability to international narcotics trafficking networks.
The Joint Investigative Task Force has already secured documentary records, cargo manifests, surveillance footage, financial records, electronic communications, screening logs, and access-control data as part of its evidence-gathering efforts.
Authorities have warned that any attempt to conceal, alter, destroy, or interfere with evidence will result in criminal prosecution.
Political observers say the suspension of a sitting NOCAL board member sends a strong signal that the investigation is moving beyond frontline airport workers and security personnel toward individuals occupying more influential positions.
Whether additional suspensions, arrests, or prosecutions will follow remains unclear.
For now, government officials insist that the investigation will continue without fear or favor and that every lead will be pursued wherever the evidence leads.
As Liberia awaits the next phase of the probe, the suspension of Peter Malcolm King marks a significant turning point in a scandal that continues to unfold at the highest levels of public interest.
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