MOJ Charges Paul King -Sent Him Central Prison Awaiting Trial

MONROVIA – The Ministry of Justice has formally charged Paul Jamaal King, identified by investigators as one of the principal suspects in the US$19 million cocaine seizure at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), with multiple narcotics-related offenses before the Monrovia City Court, while newly released charge sheet documents provide the most detailed account yet of how authorities believe the alleged international trafficking operation was organized, financed, and coordinated before it was intercepted by airport security. The charge sheet, dated July 6, 2026, names several alleged accomplices, describes a failed US$600,000 attempt to secure the shipment’s release, and sets the stage for a preliminary examination that opens today at the Monrovia City Court. THE ANALYST reports.

The charge sheet, prepared by the Ministry of Justice’s Special Investigation Team, accuses King of coordinating the attempted export of a large quantity of cocaine concealed in six cargo boxes destined for London, England.

Prosecutors formally charged King with “Importation of Controlled Drugs, Exportation of Controlled Drugs, Unlicensed sales, trading in-transit and transportation of controlled substances, Unlicensed possession of controlled drugs or substances, Illicit Drug Trafficking, Criminal Conspiracy, Criminal Facilitation and Criminal Solicitation,” offenses that carry some of the stiffest penalties under Liberia’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

According to the charge sheet, King, a resident of the V.P. Road Community in Montserrado County and an operational manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS), allegedly spearheaded an elaborate international drug trafficking operation involving airport workers, logistics personnel, and several accomplices, some of whom remain at large.

How the Alleged Operation Began

The charge sheet opens with a detailed account of how investigators say the operation unfolded.

According to prosecutors, “On Friday, June 5, 2026, defendant Paul Jamaal King, operational manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS) contacted Mr. Arthur Abdullai, General Manager of Express Handling Services (EHS) via WhatsApp and asked him to prepare Air Waybill for six boxes.”

Investigators allege that King requested the preparation of export documents for six cargo boxes intended for shipment from Roberts International Airport to Heathrow Airport in London via Brussels Airlines.

The Ministry of Justice contends that the shipment was falsely declared as ordinary commercial cargo.

According to the charge sheet, “The contents were claimed to be general cargo (magic cubes) to be shipped to London through Heathrow Airport.”

The document further alleges that the shipment listed a consignee in Birmingham, England, while the six boxes were scheduled to leave Liberia aboard a Brussels Airlines flight on June 5.

Investigators say Arthur Abdullai prepared the Air Waybill using information supplied by King without physically inspecting the contents of the shipment, in keeping with what prosecutors described as the regular business relationship between Express Handling Services and Global Logistics Services.

The charge sheet also alleges that King paid approximately US$2,150 to facilitate transportation and processing of the cargo before it was delivered to Roberts International Airport.

Shipment Delayed

According to investigators, the six boxes did not depart Liberia as originally planned because of the late arrival of an amended Air Waybill.

Instead, prosecutors say, the cargo remained inside the GLS Menzies warehouse awaiting shipment on June 7, an unexpected delay that ultimately led to its inspection.

Discovery of the White Powder

The charge sheet states that on June 7, airport officials, security personnel, and GLS representatives conducted a physical inspection and x-ray screening of the six boxes.

According to the prosecution, “When the first box was opened, they discovered a white-like powdery substance which they suspected to be illicit drugs.”

Investigators say the discovery immediately prompted notification of airport security supervisors and GLS management.

The document further alleges that Emmanuel Zeon, described as a proxy for Archie Nyafor, left the inspection scene immediately after the suspected narcotics were discovered.

Benjamin Rivercess, who was serving as the RIA Security Supervisor on duty, was subsequently briefed and contacted GLS officials regarding the discovery, according to investigators.

Alleged Attempt to Secure Release of Shipment

Among the most striking allegations contained in the charge sheet is the prosecution’s claim that King allegedly sought to have the cargo released after learning that airport security had intercepted it.

According to investigators, “Defendant Paul J. King told Philip Yeoh to discuss with the RIA Security to have the consignment of the six boxes released to them.”

The charge sheet alleges that King provided two GSM telephone numbers for individuals who would allegedly facilitate negotiations with airport security personnel.

Investigators further allege that King informed GLS official Philip Yeoh that individuals were on their way to Roberts International Airport carrying a substantial amount of money intended to secure the release of the shipment.

The charge sheet states: “Defendant Paul J. King told Philip Yeoh Jr. that someone was on their way to RIA to receive the six boxes and gave the RIA securities money (US$600,000).”

The Ministry of Justice alleges that these communications formed part of an effort to recover the shipment before it could be seized by authorities.

Alleged Criminal Syndicate

The charge sheet also alleges that King was not acting alone.

Investigators named several alleged accomplices, including Michael U.S. Browne, Rahim Bah alias Polo Bah, Usman Ali, Oscar Brown, Emmanuel Kpah, and several other unidentified individuals.

According to prosecutors, “Michael U.S. Browne who is at-large purportedly coordinated with Rahim Bah alias Polo Bah in this illicit syndicate.”

The charge sheet further alleges that Oscar Brown instructed airport security personnel to facilitate release of the shipment, although investigators say the alleged operation was ultimately unsuccessful.

Multiple Criminal Charges

King now faces an array of serious criminal charges under Liberia’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including importation and exportation of controlled drugs, illicit drug trafficking, unlicensed possession and transportation of controlled substances, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, and criminal solicitation.

Under Liberian law, convictions for international drug trafficking offenses can attract lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and the forfeiture of assets connected to the commission of the crimes.

Legal analysts note that criminal conspiracy and facilitation charges are often used by prosecutors to establish the participation of individuals who allegedly coordinated or assisted criminal enterprises, even where they were not directly found in possession of narcotics.

Background

The US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport is regarded as one of Liberia’s largest narcotics interceptions in recent history and has drawn widespread national and international attention because of allegations that an organized trafficking network had infiltrated key segments of the country’s cargo handling system.

The case has already resulted in multiple arrests, while authorities continue to pursue several suspects believed to have fled the country.

The release of the Ministry of Justice’s detailed charge sheet provides the clearest picture yet of how investigators believe the shipment was organized, processed, and intercepted before it could leave Liberia.

However, despite the detailed allegations outlined in the prosecution’s filing, the charge sheet represents the government’s case against the accused and does not constitute proof of guilt. Under Liberia’s Constitution and established principles of criminal justice, Paul Jamaal King and the other accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until the allegations are proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, before King was handed over to security agents to be taken to the Monrovia Central Prison, the request of his legal team, headed by Cllr. Amara Sheriff, for a preliminary examination was granted by Stipendiary Magistrate Ben Barco of the Monrovia City Court. The examination comes up today, Tuesday, July 7, 2026.