By Jamesetta D Williams
Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS), has become the first suspect in the $19 million dollars cocaine case to be forwarded to court following his indictment by the Liberia National Police.
The cocaine in question that was about to be exported through the Roberts International Airport is worth of more than 237 kilograms valued at over US$19 million.
King’s transfer to court marks another major development in one of Liberia’s largest and most closely watched narcotics investigations, which authorities say uncovered a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network operating through the country’s air cargo system.
On July 4, 2026, Inspector General of Police Gregory O. W. Coleman announced criminal charges against five individuals and Global Logistics Services (GLS) after a Joint National Security Investigation concluded that the suspects were allegedly involved in the attempted exportation of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine concealed in six cargo boxes falsely declared as containing Maggi cubes and lappas.
The shipment, intercepted at Roberts International Airport on June 7, 2026, was estimated to have a street value exceeding US$19 million. Authorities said the seizure followed the discovery of irregularities in the cargo’s declared weight, documentation, and screening images, prompting a physical inspection that uncovered the concealed narcotics.
According to the Liberia National Police, investigators examined witness statements, cargo records, digital evidence, communication logs, financial transactions, and forensic findings before recommending criminal charges against those allegedly linked to the operation.
Based on the findings, Paul J. King and Global Logistics Services (GLS) were charged under the Amended Controlled Drugs and Substance Act of 2023 and the Revised Penal Code of Liberia. The charges include unlicensed exportation, unlicensed transportation, unlawful possession, illicit trafficking of controlled substances, and criminal conspiracy.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific court in which King made his initial appearance or whether he entered a plea. Details regarding bail, the outcome of the initial court proceedings, and the next stages of the prosecution have also not been made public.
Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police has maintained that the investigation remains active, with efforts continuing to apprehend other suspects named in the case, including individuals charged in absentia who are believed to be outside Liberia or in hiding.
The case has drawn significant public attention because of the quantity of narcotics involved and the alleged use of Liberia’s airport cargo system as a transit route for international drug trafficking. Security agencies have also indicated that they are reviewing cargo screening procedures and strengthening safeguards at Roberts International Airport to prevent similar incidents.
As the matter proceeds through the judicial process, authorities say they remain committed to pursuing everyone connected to the alleged trafficking network while respecting the constitutional rights of all accused persons, who remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Further updates are expected as court proceedings continue and additional information becomes available from the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of Justice, and the courts.
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