MONROVIA — The Liberia House of Representatives has formally urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to immediately suspend the operations of GLS Cargo Services and affiliated handling companies at Roberts International Airport (RIA), pending the outcome of an ongoing US$19.2 million drug trafficking investigation linked to the airport’s cargo system.
The decision follows the unanimous adoption of Resolution No. 001/2026 on Thursday, June 25, 2026, after extensive deliberations by at least 40 lawmakers during plenary. The resolution reflects growing legislative concern over the integrity of Liberia’s airport cargo operations amid one of the country’s largest recent narcotics seizures.
Lawmakers are calling for the temporary suspension of Global Logistics Services (GLS-NAS Inc.) and Express Handling Services (EHS) while investigations continue into how the massive drug consignment entered the cargo chain at RIA.
The resolution is linked to the ongoing investigation by the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), which recently announced the interception of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport—triggering nationwide concern over possible gaps in cargo screening and airport security protocols.
Prior to the vote, Sinoe County Electoral District #3 Representative Hon. Alex S. Noah submitted a communication urging swift legislative intervention, warning that continued operations by companies under scrutiny could undermine public trust and Liberia’s international image in the fight against organized crime.
He stressed that while investigations are ongoing, the circumstances surrounding the importation and intended movement of the narcotics remain unclear and require urgent institutional attention.
Representative Noah referenced earlier executive action by President Boakai, noting that the Chief Executive Officer of the company, who also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), had already been suspended after being identified as a person of interest in the case.
He argued that allowing the company to continue operations at major ports of entry could compromise the integrity of the investigation and send the wrong signal about Liberia’s commitment to combating drug trafficking.
Lawmakers emphasized that the proposed suspension is a precautionary measure rather than a determination of guilt, aimed at preserving the credibility of ongoing investigations and safeguarding national security.
During plenary debate, Representative Noah warned that narcotics are rapidly eroding Liberia’s social fabric, particularly among young people.
“Drugs have reached a point in our society where we cannot afford to compromise any longer,” he said, describing drug trafficking as a growing threat to national stability and development.
He insisted that any institution linked directly or indirectly to suspected narcotics activity must be subjected to strict oversight and temporary restriction where necessary.
The resolution further mandates that senior officials of GLS Cargo Services and EHS appear before the House of Representatives to explain their operations in Liberia, including their role in airport cargo handling and any possible connection to the ongoing investigation.
Lawmakers also requested full submission of concession agreements, operational documents, and regulatory approvals governing the companies’ activities in Liberia.
They argued that Parliament has both a constitutional duty and public responsibility to ensure transparency in sensitive national infrastructure, particularly airports and seaports.
Some lawmakers warned that failure to act decisively could damage Liberia’s international reputation and weaken confidence in its border security and anti-narcotics enforcement efforts.
Following unanimous approval, the House directed its Chief Clerk to transmit the resolution to the Office of President Boakai for appropriate action.
