Published: June 21, 2026
MONROVIA — Paul J. King, general manager of GLS Menzies and one of three persons of interest who had been declared at large in Liberia’s US$19.2 million cocaine trafficking investigation, has surrendered to authorities and is now in the custody of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, the Ministry of Justice said.
The surrender, announced late Sunday, marks a significant turn in the investigation into about 237.6 kilograms of cocaine found June 8 at the GLS Menzies warehouse at Roberts International Airport, one of the largest drug cases in recent Liberian history.
It came days after Justice Minister and Attorney-General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh named 10 persons of interest at an emergency press conference Friday. Seven were in Liberia at the time, while three, including King, were reported at large.
In a statement signed by Press and Public Affairs Director Jutonu Y. Kollie, the ministry said King willingly presented himself to investigators and would help them trace the full chain of criminal responsibility behind the shipment.
“Mr. King is being held under the supervision of joint security personnel and will assist investigators as the probe into the full chain of criminal responsibility connected to this shipment continues,” the statement said.
The ministry said King’s cooperation is expected to help investigators identify the individuals and entities involved in the importation, concealment, transportation and attempted exportation of the narcotics.
Authorities stressed that King’s status as a person of interest does not imply guilt and that he retains all constitutional protections, including access to legal counsel and protection from intimidation, mistreatment or extrajudicial action under the 1986 Constitution.
“His designation as a Person of Interest, and his current cooperation with investigators, do not constitute a determination of guilt,” the ministry stated.
The government welcomed King’s decision to surrender, calling it an important step toward accountability, and said the investigation would remain thorough, evidence-based and impartial regardless of a person’s social standing, political affiliation or professional position.
“In light of this development, the Ministry of Justice renews its call on all remaining Persons of Interest who continue to evade the authorities to avail themselves to the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force without further delay,” the statement said. “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.”
At Friday’s press conference, Tweh sought to reassure a public pressing for transparency that the case would be handled without fear or favor.
“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.”
Tweh also warned those still evading authorities. “To those currently at large, 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 disclosures follow President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s directive establishing the task force, which brings together the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Executive Protection Service, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, customs authorities, airport security officials and the Ministry of Justice.
Discussion about this post