Published: July 1, 2026
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — The Liberian Senate summoned the country’s top security officials to appear before plenary Wednesday to account for the stalled investigation into the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, after Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe and Amara M. Konneh demanded an independent probe into a case they say has been marked by official silence and leaked evidence.
Those cited include the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, the Inspector-General of the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Commissioner-General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), the Director of the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), and other members of the Joint Security Task Force investigating the case.
The Senate’s action followed a joint communication submitted Tuesday by Senators Snowe of Bomi County and Konneh of Gbarpolu County, who urged lawmakers to consider an independent investigation into what they described as a matter of urgent national importance.
In their communication, Snowe and Konneh warned that more than three weeks have passed since authorities intercepted narcotics valued at US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport, yet the public remains dissatisfied with the pace and transparency of the investigation.
The senators argued that the scale of the seizure has drawn both national and international attention, raising serious concerns about Liberia’s border security and the effectiveness of its anti-drug enforcement institutions.
“Regrettably, despite the seriousness of this matter, the Liberian public has witnessed what appears to be an unacceptably slow investigative process. To date, there has been limited official communication on the status of the investigation, no publicly known arrests of principal suspects, and an unsettling silence from key national security and law enforcement institutions,” Snowe and Konneh stated.
They added: “This prolonged uncertainty has fueled public speculation, diminished confidence in our institutions, and heightened concerns that such a significant matter may not receive the level of urgency and transparency it deserves.”
Citing the Senate’s constitutional oversight responsibility, the lawmakers urged plenary to establish or support an independent, impartial and transparent investigation capable of uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the seizure, identifying everyone involved and ensuring accountability under the law.
During deliberations, Snowe argued that the implications of the case extend far beyond a routine criminal investigation. According to him, the matter directly affects Liberia’s commitment to the rule of law, the integrity of its national security architecture, and the country’s credibility with international partners combating transnational organized crime and drug trafficking.
Snowe also criticized the apparent leakage of sensitive investigative materials to social media while lawmakers have yet to receive official briefings.
“CCTV footage originating solely from within the investigation has circulated freely on social media. Selective details about persons of interest have been actively shared in online commentary,” Snowe said.
“Evidence with genuine legal and evidentiary significance has been deliberately fed to bloggers and social media pundits, while the Legislature, the institution elected to provide oversight, remains in the dark.”
Calling the situation unacceptable, Snowe demanded explanations from the relevant authorities.
The joint communication further stated: “The Liberian people deserve timely answers, transparency, and assurance that no individual or institution is beyond the reach of justice. It is therefore imperative that the Senate exercises its oversight authority to help restore public confidence and reinforce the principle that accountability remains the cornerstone of our democratic governance.”
Before Snowe and Konneh’s communication was considered, Montserrado County Senators Abraham Darius Dillon and Saah H. Joseph submitted a separate communication urging the Senate to advise the Executive Branch to suspend GLS Menzies’ cargo-handling concession at Roberts International Airport while the investigation continues.
The communication, read during the Senate’s regular session by Senate Secretary Nanborlor Singbeh, came days after Justice Minister and Attorney-General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh identified GLS Menzies General Manager Paul J. King and Security Manager Philip Yeoh among the 10 persons of interest named by the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force investigating the June 8 seizure.
“We write jointly to recommend that the Senate formally advise the Executive to suspend, pending investigation, the cargo-handling concession held by GLS (GLS Menzies) at Roberts International Airport,” the communication stated.
Authorities intercepted the cocaine inside a GLS Menzies warehouse at the airport, prompting widespread public concern and calls for an impartial investigation into what officials have described as a major transnational drug trafficking operation.
Following debate on the Snowe-Konneh communication, plenary voted to summon the country’s top security officials to appear before the Senate on Wednesday to provide lawmakers with a full status report on the investigation. The decision followed a motion introduced by Grand Kru County Senator Prof. Albert T. Chie, which received the support of the Senate.
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