By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The STAND-Led Liberia Protest Coalition has intensified pressure on the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), demanding that authorities publicly disclose the identities of all individuals and entities linked to the recent seizure of approximately US$19 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 13, 2026 by its Lead Campaigner, Mulbah K. Morlu, the coalition gave the anti-drug agency a 72-hour ultimatum to provide what it described as a comprehensive public account of the investigation, warning that secrecy surrounding the case risks undermining public confidence and fueling suspicions that powerful figures may be receiving protection.
The demand comes days after the LDEA announced one of the largest narcotics interceptions in Liberia’s history but has yet to publicly identify those allegedly responsible for the shipment. Morlu argued that the transnational nature of the investigation should not be used as justification for withholding critical information from the public.
“The public remains unaware of the alleged masterminds behind the shipment,” Morlu stated. “Transparency is essential to maintaining public confidence and proving that no one is above the law.”
While acknowledging the efforts of officers involved in the operation, the coalition said the true measure of Liberia’s commitment to combating drug trafficking will not be the seizure itself but whether those responsible for financing, facilitating, protecting, and benefiting from the shipment are ultimately brought to justice.
Morlu praised the role reportedly played by the United States Government and other international partners in providing intelligence and technical assistance that contributed to the operation. However, he cautioned that public celebrations over the seizure would mean little if authorities fail to pursue the individuals behind the drugs.
“The true test of Liberia’s commitment to fighting narcotics is not the seizure itself, but whether the owners, financiers, facilitators, protectors, and beneficiaries of the shipment are identified and prosecuted where evidence warrants,” Morlu declared. “Liberians want accountability, not public relations victories.”
The coalition is also seeking international involvement in the investigation. According to the statement, STAND wants 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 that have generated public concern.
Morlu said the coalition, which he described as comprising more than thirty-seven civil society organizations, political groups, student movements, community organizations, and pro-democracy activists, supports an investigation that follows every lead regardless of who may be implicated. The coalition stressed that equal scrutiny should be applied to all suspects irrespective of their political affiliation, wealth, social standing, or influence.
One of the most explosive aspects of the statement involves allegations concerning twin Liberian brothers Paul King and Peter King. According to Morlu, the coalition has reviewed information and allegations from multiple sources linking the brothers to an alleged narcotics trafficking network involving warehouse facilities at the Freeport of Monrovia, freight-forwarding operations, and a logistics chain extending to Roberts International Airport.
While emphasizing that the allegations remain unproven, STAND argued that their seriousness warrants immediate and independent examination.
“These allegations remain unproven and must be independently verified,” Morlu noted. “However, their seriousness warrants an immediate, transparent, independent, and internationally supported investigation.”
The coalition expressed concern that while such allegations remain under review, individuals widely perceived as lower-level actors remain in detention, including Mohammed Gbowrah, Ruth Gbapaywhea, Archie, Festu Musa, Philip Yeoh, and a cook reportedly employed by Peter King, who is alleged to remain at large.
The coalition further called for investigators to broaden the scope of the probe beyond those already arrested. According to the statement, the magnitude of the seizure requires scrutiny of every institution and individual connected to the shipment through authority, access, oversight, security responsibilities, cargo clearance functions, or operational control.
Morlu argued that investigators must establish what information was available, whether warnings were ignored, whether procedures were followed, and whether negligence, institutional failures, abuse of office, protection networks, or criminal conduct enabled the movement of narcotics through Liberia.
Among those the coalition believes should be scrutinized are Inspector General Gregory Coleman, Freeport Managing Director Sekou Dukuly, National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods, the Political Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, as well as customs officials, immigration personnel, airport security officers, freight-forwarding operators, cargo clearance agents, and other public officials connected to the shipment.
Importantly, the coalition stopped short of accusing any official of wrongdoing.
“STAND is not declaring any official guilty of wrongdoing,” Morlu said. “However, the Liberian people deserve to know whether everyone with responsibility, influence, access, authority, or oversight has been subjected to the same level of scrutiny as those already detained.”
As part of its ultimatum, STAND is demanding that the LDEA publicly release the identities of all suspects and persons of interest connected to the shipment, along with cargo manifests, shipping records, the names of importers and consignees, freight-forwarding entities, details of customs and security clearances, information regarding any public officials under investigation, and a comprehensive update on the status of the case.
Morlu warned that Liberia’s fight against narcotics trafficking cannot succeed if investigations are perceived as selective or politically convenient.
“No individual should be shielded from investigation. No institution should be above scrutiny. No one should be beyond the reach of justice,” he asserted.
The coalition’s ultimatum adds to mounting public pressure on the LDEA and the Boakai administration as questions continue to swirl around the identities of those allegedly behind the massive cocaine shipment. With STAND now demanding full disclosure within three days and calling for international oversight, the controversy is rapidly evolving from a major narcotics seizure into a broader test of transparency, accountability, and the government’s willingness to pursue all suspects regardless of their political connections or economic influence. Whether the LDEA complies with the ultimatum could significantly shape public perceptions of the integrity and independence of Liberia’s ongoing anti-drug campaign.
