NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Ministry of Justice has announced that Paul J. King, General Manager of GLS Menzies and one of the individuals previously declared a person of interest in the investigation into the June 8, 2026 cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), has voluntarily presented himself to authorities and is now in the custody of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The development marks a significant turn in the government’s ongoing investigation into the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, estimated to have a street value of nearly US$19 million, at Liberia’s main international gateway.
According to a statement issued Sunday, the Ministry said King, who had earlier been listed among persons being sought by investigators, voluntarily appeared before authorities and is currently being held under the supervision of joint security personnel.
His cooperation, the Ministry said, is expected to aid efforts to uncover the full network of individuals and entities allegedly involved in the importation, concealment, transportation and attempted exportation of the narcotics.
Authorities said investigators remain focused on establishing the complete chain of criminal responsibility surrounding the shipment, which has become one of the country’s largest drug-related cases in recent years.
The Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, established to lead the probe, has been pursuing several leads since the cocaine was intercepted at Roberts International Airport on June 8.
The investigation seeks to determine not only those directly connected to the shipment but also any broader criminal network that may have facilitated the movement of the illicit drugs through Liberia.
While confirming King’s detention, the Ministry emphasized that his designation as a person of interest and his current cooperation with investigators do not amount to a determination of guilt.
“The Constitution and laws of the Republic of Liberia guarantee all protections afforded to persons in custody, including the right to due process, access to legal counsel, and protection from intimidation, mistreatment, or any form of extrajudicial action,” the Ministry said.
The government praised King’s decision to cooperate with investigators, describing it as an important step toward ensuring accountability and establishing the facts surrounding the case.
At the same time, the Ministry renewed its appeal to other persons of interest who remain at large to surrender themselves to authorities without delay.
“National and international efforts to locate and apprehend all outstanding individuals connected to this matter remain ongoing, and time will not diminish the reach of the law,” the statement warned.
Officials have repeatedly pledged that the investigation will be conducted in an impartial and evidence-based manner, regardless of the position, influence or status of those implicated.
The June 8 cocaine seizure has drawn widespread public attention and renewed concerns about the possible use of Liberia as a transit point for international drug trafficking operations.
The government has vowed to pursue the case to its conclusion and has promised to keep the public informed of major developments while safeguarding the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation.
With King’s surrender, attention is now expected to shift to the remaining persons of interest and the broader findings of investigators as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle any criminal network behind the multimillion-dollar drug shipment.
