In $19 million drug case, Police charges Paul King and others

By: Laymah Kollie

MONROVIA, Liberia – Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, has announced criminal charges against multiple individuals, including Paul J. King- Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS) cargo in connection with the attempted export of more than US$19 million worth of cocaine seized at Roberts International Airport (RIA)in June 2026.

Addressing the nation on Saturday, July 4, Coleman said the charges followed an extensive Joint National Security Investigation ordered by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai after authorities intercepted a shipment containing approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine concealed in six cargo boxes at RIA on June 7.

The cocaine, valued at more than US$19 million on the international street market, was discovered after security officials physically inspected cargo that had initially been declared as ordinary commercial goods, including Maggi cubes and lappas.

Coleman said investigators determined the shipment was part of a well-organized international narcotics trafficking network rather than an isolated incident.

“This was not a paperwork error. This was not a routine cargo discrepancy. This was not an innocent shipment gone wrong. This was a serious transnational cocaine trafficking operation using Liberia’s aviation and logistics system as a channel for organized crime.” Coleman stressed.

According to the Inspector General, the investigation involved reviewing witness and suspect statements, cargo documentation, communication records, digital evidence, financial transactions and airport handling procedures.

Paul King, GLS charged

Police have charged Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS), along with the company, alleging they conspired to facilitate, store and transport the cocaine through the airport’s cargo system.

Authorities accused King and GLS of providing substantial assistance to the trafficking operation and charged them with unlicensed exportation, transportation, possession and illicit trafficking of controlled substances, as well as criminal conspiracy under Liberia’s Amended Controlled Drugs and Substance Act of 2023 and the Revised Penal Code.

Other Suspects named

Coleman also announced charges against Michael U.S. Browne, also known as Rahim or Raheem Bah, whom investigators allege organized the shipment, used front companies, falsely declared the cargo and later attempted to recover the cocaine after its discovery.

Oscar J. Browne was charged for allegedly clearing a similar shipment in May 2026 and making repeated calls to facilitate the release of the June shipment after authorities had already uncovered the drugs.

Police further charged Emmanuel Kpah, who investigators identified as the individual that delivered the shipment and associated cash for the cargo transaction. Another suspect, Usman Ali, identified as the consignee based in the United Kingdom, has also been charged.

Coleman disclosed that Browne, Kpah and Ali have all been charged in absentia, while law enforcement agencies pursue their arrests through international cooperation, extradition requests and other legal mechanisms.

Investigation points to wider network

However, Inspector General revealed that investigators uncovered evidence suggesting a similar shipment had successfully passed through the airport in May 2026 using nearly identical methods and false cargo descriptions.

He said the findings indicate the June seizure was part of a broader criminal enterprise rather than a one-time operation. Investigators also found evidence that members of the trafficking network allegedly attempted to bribe security personnel, retrieve the seized cocaine and interfere with the investigation after the drugs were discovered.

Authorities are continuing investigations to identify financiers, organizers, facilitators, couriers, airport insiders and foreign collaborators linked to the operation.

Coleman warned that any public official, airport employee, private company or security officer found to have knowingly participated in the trafficking scheme or obstructed the investigation would face prosecution.

Airport security under review

The Liberia National Police said government agencies are already reviewing cargo screening procedures, chain-of-custody measures and other security protocols at Roberts International Airport to close vulnerabilities exploited by traffickers.

Coleman stressed that Liberia would not allow its territory to become a transit route for international drug cartels. “We will not allow criminal networks to hide behind company names, false airway bills, airport access, political connections, or cash inducements,” he said.

He also reaffirmed that despite the charges, all accused persons remain entitled to due process and the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

The Joint Special Investigative Team says the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests and charges could follow as authorities continue pursuing members of the alleged international drug trafficking network.

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