By Stephanie M. Duncan
MONROVIA – The Liberian government believes it is making enormous progress as it endeavors to unravel the mystery surrounding the seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at more than US$19 million, at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh, providing update on the status of the Investigation, said investigators have gathered significant evidence as they dive deep into their work.
President Joseph N. Boakai recently directed full investigate into the June 8 drug seizure at the Global Logistics Services (GLS) Menzies warehouse at RIA.
The matter is handled by 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), Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Customs authorities, airport security personnel, and the Ministry of Justice has been conducting an intensive investigation into the case.
Tweh disclosed that investigators have gathered significant evidence through interviews, documentary reviews, electronic records, and intelligence operations, uncovering what appears to be a sophisticated network involved in the handling, transportation, screening, storage, and attempted export of the cocaine shipment.
“The investigation has revealed a complex network of individuals connected to the movement, handling, processing, screening, storage, and attempted shipment of the cargo that was ultimately discovered to contain cocaine,” the Attorney General stated.
Based on evidence obtained thus far, including witness statements, cargo documentation, operational records, and preliminary investigative findings, authorities have designated the following individuals as Persons of Interest Philip Yeoh, Security Manager, GLS Menzies, RIA, Festus S. Musa, Cargo Handler, GLS Menzies, Ruth Gbapaywhea, RIA Scanner Agent, Archie Nyanfor, Cargo Handler, Express Handling Services (EHS), Arthur B. Abdullai, Chief Executive Officer of EHS, and Geraldine Zeon, RIA Scanner Agent. Others are Mohammed Gbowrah, Security Director, Roberts International Airport, Paul J. King, CEO of GLS Menzies (currently at large), Oscar Browne, Chief of Intelligence, RIA Security (currently at large); and Emmanuel T. Zeon, Transporter for Express Handling Services (currently at large).
The Justice Minister emphasized that being named a Person of Interest does not imply guilt but indicates that investigators have identified information requiring further examination.
“No individual will be exempt from scrutiny because of position, influence, occupation, political affiliation, social standing, or economic status,” Tweh said. “Every lead will be pursued, every witness interviewed, and every financial and communication trail examined.”
Authorities have secured cargo manifests, surveillance footage, financial records, electronic communications, screening logs, and other critical evidence to prevent tampering or destruction. The government has also instructed institutions, companies, and individuals connected to the investigation to preserve all relevant records and materials.
The Attorney General warned that any attempt to conceal, alter, destroy, or interfere with evidence would constitute a serious criminal offense and would be prosecuted accordingly.
Tweh further revealed that the Task Force is receiving technical, intelligence, and operational support from international law enforcement partners as investigators seek to determine whether previous shipments linked to the same actors may be part of a larger transnational drug trafficking network.
The government said its objective goes beyond securing arrests and prosecutions, focusing instead on dismantling any criminal organization that facilitated, financed, protected, transported, concealed, or attempted to export narcotics through Liberia.
Addressing suspects who remain at large, the Attorney General urged them to surrender to authorities, noting that both national and international efforts are underway to locate and apprehend all individuals connected to the case.
“The Government’s message is clear: surrender yourselves to the authorities,” he said. “Those who attempt to evade justice will find that time does not diminish the reach of the law.”
The Ministry of Justice pledged to continue updating the public as significant developments emerge while maintaining the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The June 8 seizure is regarded as one of the largest narcotics interceptions in Liberia’s history and has heightened concerns about the country’s vulnerability to international drug trafficking networks operating across West Africa.
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