Published: June 19, 2026
MONROVIA – Liberian authorities have publicly named 10 people as persons of interest in the seizure of more than US$19 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, with three still at large, as the government widens an investigation into what it calls a potentially far-reaching transnational operation.
The disclosure, made Friday by Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, covers about 237.6 kilograms of cocaine intercepted June 8 and comes amid mounting public pressure for authorities to reveal those linked to the case and ensure an impartial investigation.
At an emergency press conference at the Ministry of Justice in Monrovia, Tweh stressed that naming individuals as persons of interest does not amount to a finding of guilt but reflects evidence gathered so far by a Joint National Security Investigative Task Force. “The Government of Liberia wishes to make it unequivocally clear that the designation of an individual as a Person of Interest does not constitute a determination of guilt,” he said. “Rather, it signifies that investigators have identified information and evidence requiring further examination.”
The individuals were identified through witness statements, cargo documentation, operational records and preliminary findings, Tweh said. Those named as persons of interest currently in Liberia are Philip Yeoh, security manager at GLS Menzies; Festus S. Musa, a cargo handler at GLS Menzies; Ruth Gbapaywhea, an RIA scanner agent; Archie Nyanfor, a cargo handler at Express Handling Services; Arthur B. Abdullai, chief executive of Express Handling Services; Geraldine Zeon, an RIA scanner agent; and Mohammed Gbowrah, security director at Roberts International Airport.
The three sought by investigators are Paul J. King, chief executive of GLS Menzies; Oscar Browne, chief of intelligence for RIA Security; and Emmanuel T. Zeon, a transporter for Express Handling Services. The Justice Minister declined to identify the alleged importers or principal actors behind the shipment, a decision likely to fuel continued speculation about who orchestrated the operation.
Seeking to reassure the public, Tweh declared that no person would be shielded because of influence, position or political affiliation. “Let there be no misunderstanding,” he said. “No individual will be exempt from scrutiny because of position, influence, occupation, political affiliation, social standing, or economic status.” He added: “Every lead will be pursued. Every relevant witness will be interviewed. Every financial and communication trail will be examined. Every person connected to this operation will be investigated wherever the evidence leads.”
The Attorney General said authorities have secured cargo manifests, airway bills, surveillance footage, electronic communications, financial records, screening logs and access-control records to prevent tampering, and warned that any attempt to conceal, destroy, alter or fabricate evidence would be treated as a serious criminal offense.
Tweh said investigators have established strict protocols governing witness interviews, forensic examinations, intelligence sharing and evidence management to ensure any future prosecution can withstand judicial scrutiny. “The Government is equally committed to protecting witnesses and preserving the integrity of testimonies,” he said. “Individuals possessing relevant information are encouraged to cooperate fully with investigators.” Measures are being put in place so witnesses can come forward without fear of intimidation or retaliation, he said.
The government’s objective extends beyond arrests, the minister emphasized, to dismantling any network involved in financing, facilitating, transporting or concealing the drugs. “Our focus is on identifying and dismantling any criminal network that may have facilitated, financed, protected, transported, concealed, export, or attempted to export these illicit substances through the territory of the Republic of Liberia,” Tweh said, adding that successful prosecution would depend on preserving the integrity of evidence and establishing the full chain of criminal responsibility.
He issued a direct warning to those still at large. “To those currently at large, the Government’s message is clear: surrender yourselves to the authorities,” Tweh said. “National and international efforts are underway to locate and apprehend all Persons of Interest connected to this matter. Those who attempt to evade justice will find that time does not diminish the reach of the law.”
The disclosures follow President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s order to form the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, which comprises the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, customs authorities, airport security and the Ministry of Justice. The task force was set up to investigate the cocaine discovered at the GLS Menzies warehouse at Roberts International Airport on June 8. Since becoming operational, investigators have conducted interviews, secured documentary and electronic evidence, developed new leads and launched efforts to locate suspects.
Tweh said Liberian investigators are receiving technical, intelligence, operational and regulatory support from international law enforcement partners. Evidence gathered so far suggests the shipment moved through several stages of the airport’s cargo handling chain. “Evidence obtained to date indicates that the shipment passed through multiple stages of the cargo handling chain,” he said. “Investigators are examining not only the events surrounding the June 8 seizure but also whether previous shipments associated with the same actors may form part of a broader criminal enterprise operating within and beyond Liberia’s borders.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, Tweh promised continued updates. “As significant developments occur, the public will be informed accordingly,” he said.
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