MONROVIA – As public scrutiny intensifies over the recent US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, the Solidarity Trust for a New Day (STAND) Led Liberia Protest Coalition has escalated pressure on authorities by demanding full disclosure of all individuals and entities linked to the massive drug shipment. The coalition has given the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) a 72-hour ultimatum to reveal the names of suspects and persons of interest, while also calling for an independent international investigation into what is being described as one of the largest narcotics cases in Liberia’s history. The demand comes amid growing concerns about transparency, accountability, and whether influential figures connected to the case are being subjected to the same level of scrutiny as those already detained. The Analyst reports,
The Solidarity Trust for a New Day (STAND)-Led Liberia Protest Coalition has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), demanding the public disclosure of all individuals and entities allegedly connected to the recent US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), one of the largest narcotics interceptions in Liberia’s history.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday and signed by Mulbah K. Morlu, Lead Campaigner, the coalition said Liberians deserve to know the identities of those responsible for the massive drug shipment and warned against what it described as secrecy surrounding the ongoing investigation.
The coalition, which is organizing the planned July 17, 2026 “Lead or Leave” peaceful protest, argued that several days after the seizure was announced, the public remains uninformed about the alleged masterminds behind the operation.
“We reject the claim that the transnational nature of the case justifies prolonged secrecy,” the statement said. “Transparency is essential to maintaining public confidence and proving that no one is above the law.”
While acknowledging the efforts of security personnel involved in the operation, the coalition credited the Government of the United States and other international partners for reportedly providing intelligence, technical assistance, and cooperation that contributed to the interception.
According to the group, the true measure of Liberia’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking lies not in the seizure itself but in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for financing, facilitating, protecting, or benefiting from the shipment.
“Liberians want accountability, not public relations victories,” the coalition declared.
The coalition further called on the United States, European Union, United Nations, and other international partners to support an independent and internationally monitored investigation into the cocaine seizure and other unresolved narcotics cases in the country.
Describing itself as a coalition comprising more than 37 civil society organizations, political groups, student movements, community organizations, and pro-democracy activists, STAND said any investigation must follow all leads and apply equal scrutiny to all suspects regardless of their social standing, political connections, or economic influence.
The coalition also disclosed that it had reviewed information and allegations from multiple sources linking twin Liberian brothers, identified as Paul King and Peter King, to what it described as a broader narcotics trafficking network.
According to the statement, the alleged network is believed to involve warehouse facilities at the Freeport of Monrovia, freight-forwarding operations, and logistical links extending to Roberts International Airport.
However, the coalition emphasized that the allegations remain unproven and must be independently verified.
“These allegations remain unproven and must be independently verified. However, their seriousness warrants an immediate, transparent, independent, and internationally supported investigation,” the statement noted.
The group expressed concern that while such allegations remain under review, individuals it described as lower-level actors have already been detained. Among those named were Mohammed Gbowrah, Ruth Gbapaywhea, Archie, Festu Musa, Philip Yeoh, and a cook reportedly employed by Peter King, who the coalition said remains at large.
Under the slogan “No Sacred Cows,” the coalition called for a comprehensive review of all individuals and institutions that may have had authority, oversight, access, clearance responsibility, security responsibility, or operational control connected to the shipment.
The statement urged investigators to determine whether negligence, abuse of office, institutional failures, protection networks, or criminal conduct contributed to the movement of narcotics through Liberia.
Among those whose offices the coalition said should be subjected to scrutiny are Inspector General Gregory Coleman of the Liberia National Police, Freeport Managing Director Sekou Dukuly, National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods, the Political Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, relevant Executive Mansion officials, as well as customs, immigration, airport security, cargo clearance personnel, and freight-forwarding operators.
The coalition stressed that it was not accusing any official of wrongdoing but maintained that the public deserves assurance that everyone with responsibility or influence is being investigated under the same standards as those already detained.
The coalition further demanded that within 72 hours, the LDEA publicly release the identities of all suspects and persons of interest connected to the shipment, along with relevant cargo manifests and shipping records. It also called for the disclosure of the names of importers, consignees, freight-forwarding entities, and associated companies linked to the cargo. Additionally, STAND wants authorities to provide details of customs, airport, port, and security clearances associated with the shipment, information regarding any public officials who may be under investigation, and a comprehensive public update on the status of the case.
The coalition concluded by warning that Liberia cannot effectively combat narcotics trafficking through secrecy, selective justice, or investigations perceived as politically motivated. It argued that the rule of law requires transparency, accountability, and equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of status or political connections.
“The rule of law demands transparency, accountability, and equal treatment for all,” the statement said.
The LDEA has not yet publicly responded to the coalition’s demands. The agency continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, a case that has attracted significant public attention and intensified calls for greater accountability in Liberia’s fight against transnational drug trafficking.