MONROVIA – Liberia’s investigation into the seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport has entered a critical phase as authorities publicly identify individuals linked to various stages of the cargo handling chain. The announcement signals an effort by the Government to demonstrate transparency while maintaining the integrity of an active criminal investigation. Beyond the immediate arrests and interviews, the case raises broader concerns about institutional vulnerabilities, airport security procedures, and the possible existence of a wider criminal network operating through Liberia’s transport infrastructure. As THE ANALYST reports, the outcome of the investigation could significantly influence public confidence in law enforcement and judicial accountability.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Cllr. Oswald N. Tweh has disclosed that a Joint National Security Investigative Task Force has identified several persons of interest in connection with the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA). The cocaine was intercepted at the Global Logistics Services (GLS) Menzies Warehouse on June 8, 2026.
According to a statement issued June 19, 2026, the Task Force was constituted following a directive from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and comprises the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Liberia National Police (LNP), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Executive Protection Service (EPS), the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Customs authorities, Airport Security, and the Ministry of Justice. The body was mandated to conduct a comprehensive criminal investigation into the seizure.
Investigation Generates Significant Leads
The Justice Minister stated that investigators have conducted formal interviews, secured documentary and electronic evidence, identified additional investigative leads, and initiated efforts aimed at locating and apprehending suspects believed to be connected to the importation, concealment, transportation, and attempted exportation of the narcotics.
According to the statement, evidence gathered thus far has revealed what authorities described as a complex network of individuals connected to the movement, handling, processing, screening, storage, and attempted shipment of the cargo that was later discovered to contain cocaine. The Task Force is also receiving operational, technical, intelligence, and regulatory support from government institutions and international law enforcement partners.
The Ministry of Justice indicated that investigators are examining not only the circumstances 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.
Persons Of Interest Identified
Based on evidence gathered through witness statements, cargo documentation, operational records, and preliminary investigative findings, the Joint Investigative Task Force identified several persons of interest.
Those named include Philip Yeoh, Security Manager of GLS Menzies at Roberts International Airport; Festus S. Musa, Cargo Handler at GLS Menzies; Ruth Gbapaywhea, RIA Scanner Agent; Archie Nyanfor, Cargo Handler with Express Handling Services (EHS); Arthur B. Abdullai, Chief Executive Officer of EHS; Geraldine Zeon, RIA Scanner Agent; Mohammed Gbowrah, Security Director of Roberts International Airport; Paul J. King, Chief Executive Officer of GLS Menzies, who is reported to be at large; Oscar Browne, Chief of Intelligence of RIA Security, also reported at large; and Emmanuel T. Zeon, identified as a transporter for EHS and likewise reported at large.
The Government emphasized that designation as a person of interest does not constitute a determination of guilt and noted that all individuals remain entitled to constitutional protections and due process under Liberian law. Authorities nevertheless stressed that no individual would be exempt from scrutiny because of position, influence, occupation, political affiliation, social standing, or economic status.
Evidence Preservation Measures Implemented
The Ministry disclosed that documentary records, cargo manifests, airway bills, surveillance footage, electronic communications, financial records, screening logs, access-control records, and other relevant materials have been secured under evidentiary control.
Authorities further announced that instructions have been issued to institutions, agencies, companies, and individuals to preserve any records, electronic data, devices, communications, documents, or materials that may possess evidentiary value. The statement warned that any attempt to conceal, destroy, tamper with, fabricate, remove, or interfere with evidence would be treated as a serious criminal offense and prosecuted accordingly.
The Task Force has also established protocols governing witness interviews, evidence handling, forensic examinations, intelligence sharing, and interagency coordination. Officials said these measures are intended to ensure that investigative activities meet legal and professional standards necessary for successful prosecution before Liberian courts. Witness protection measures are also being developed to encourage cooperation from individuals possessing relevant information.
Government Seeks Wider Criminal Network
According to the Justice Ministry, the investigation extends beyond securing arrests and prosecutions and is focused on identifying and dismantling any criminal network that may have facilitated, financed, protected, transported, concealed, or attempted to export illicit narcotics through Liberia.
The Government also called on individuals currently at large to surrender to authorities, stating that national and international efforts are underway to locate and apprehend all persons of interest connected to the matter. Authorities pledged to continue providing public updates consistent with due process requirements and the protection of ongoing investigative activities.