By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has charged five suspects and one logistics company in connection with the reported seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), with Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman alleging that investigators have uncovered a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network that exploited Liberia’s air cargo system.
Speaking during a press briefing at the police headquarters on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Coleman said the June cocaine seizure was “not a one-off event” or an isolated smuggling attempt, but rather part of what investigators believe is a broader organized criminal enterprise operating through Liberia’s airport cargo chain.
“Today, the Liberia National Police, acting in concert with the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and our other national security partners, is prepared to identify the principal suspects and announce the charges established to date,” Coleman said.
According to the Inspector General, the investigation established that on Friday, June 5, six boxes were prepared for export through Roberts International Airport and falsely declared as containing Maggi cubes and lappas. However, authorities detected multiple red flags, including inconsistencies in the shipment’s declared weight, suspicious screening images, and conflicting cargo documentation.
Coleman explained that because of those discrepancies, the shipment was prevented from departing Liberia. When the cargo was re-scanned and physically inspected on Sunday, June 7, investigators discovered a white powdery substance concealed inside the boxes. The substance was immediately handed over to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency for laboratory analysis, which confirmed it was cocaine.
Police said the shipment contained approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in 198 compressed plates, with an estimated street value exceeding US$19 million, making it one of Liberia’s largest reported cocaine seizures.
Coleman stressed that the investigation extended well beyond the seizure itself.
“The investigation did not stop with the seizure. The Joint Special Investigative Team examined the cargo trail, airway bills, communications, financial transactions, digital evidence, the conduct of the individuals involved, and actions taken after the cocaine was discovered.”
According to Coleman, investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that members of the alleged trafficking network attempted to bribe security personnel, recover the cocaine shipment after it had been intercepted, and interfere with law enforcement’s investigation.
“The evidence establishes that after the consignment was exposed, there were deliberate efforts by members of the trafficking network to bribe security personnel, recover the shipment, and interfere with the seizure,” he stated.
The police chief further disclosed that investigators linked the June cocaine shipment to another cargo movement processed in May 2026, allegedly using the same concealment method and fraudulent cargo declarations.
“Investigators also uncovered evidence of an earlier shipment processed in May 2026 using the same method of false cargo declarations and linked to the same network. This means the June 7 seizure was not a one-off event but part of a broader criminal enterprise,” Coleman said.
Based on witness testimony, documentary evidence, forensic findings, digital records, financial transactions, call logs, and reconstruction of the cargo chain, the Joint Special Investigative Team identified what police described as the principal suspects.
Those charged include Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS), and the company itself; Michael U.S. Browne, also known as Rahim or Raheem Bah; Oscar J. Browne; Emmanuel Kpah; and Usman Ali, whom investigators identified as the consignee based in the United Kingdom.
Coleman alleged that King and Global Logistics Services facilitated, stored, processed, and transported the cocaine shipment through the airport cargo system.
“The investigation found that Paul King, serving as manager of Global Logistics Services, conspired to facilitate, store, and transport the six-box cocaine shipment through the airport cargo chain.”
Police further alleged that Michael U.S. Browne organized the shipment, coordinated its movement, used false cargo declarations, and attempted to recover the cocaine after authorities intercepted it.
Investigators also accused Oscar J. Browne of participating in the earlier May shipment and maintaining repeated communications concerning the June consignment after the narcotics had already been discovered.
According to the investigation, Emmanuel Kpah allegedly delivered both the May and June shipments to Global Logistics Services, while Usman Ali allegedly served as the overseas consignee.
Joint security disclosed that several suspects have been charged in absentia, as they are believed to be outside Liberia or actively evading arrest. Coleman said law enforcement agencies are pursuing arrest warrants, international police cooperation, extradition requests, and mutual legal assistance mechanisms to bring the accused before Liberian courts.
The Inspector General emphasized that investigators are continuing to pursue every individual connected to the alleged trafficking operation.
“The investigation into the May shipment and all related consignments remains active. This investigation is far from over. We are treating this as a network investigation aimed at identifying every participant, financier, organizer, handler, courier, facilitator, insider, and foreign connection.”
Coleman also announced that security authorities have begun reviewing cargo handling procedures and screening protocols at Roberts International Airport to address weaknesses exposed by the investigation.
“We are also working with the relevant authorities to strengthen security at Roberts International Airport by reviewing cargo handling procedures, screening protocols, chain-of-custody measures, and international safeguards,” he said.
The accused face multiple charges under Liberia’s Amended Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2023 and the Revised Penal Code, including illicit drug trafficking, transportation, possession, unlicensed exportation, criminal conspiracy, and criminal solicitation.
The latest development has intensified public attention because one of the accused, Michael U.S. Browne, is the same individual whose controversial release from prison in 2024 is currently the subject of a Senate-ordered investigation, raising renewed questions about previous handling of his case.
Meanwhile, after spending several hours undergoing police interrogation at LNP Headquarters on Saturday, Paul J. King was captured on video being escorted to the basement of the police headquarters, prompting widespread public speculation regarding his detention status as the prosecution moves forward.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the Liberia National Police stressed that all accused persons remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The investigation, however, remains ongoing, with authorities indicating that additional arrests and charges could follow as they continue to dismantle what they allege is a wider transnational drug trafficking network operating through Liberia.
