IPNEWS::—The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged authorities of the Global Logistics Services (GLS), and three others in connection with the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport. Inspector General of Police Gregory O. W. Coleman announced Saturday that the charges followed a joint national security investigation into what authorities described as a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network that allegedly used Liberia’s air cargo system to smuggle cocaine abroad.
Those charged are 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, who investigators identified as the United Kingdom-based consignee. Except for King and GLS, the remaining suspects have been charged in absentia after authorities said they fled or are outside Liberia. Police said arrest warrants and international law enforcement mechanisms are being pursued to secure their arrest.
According to the police, the accused face multiple offenses under the Amended Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2023 and the Revised Penal Code of Liberia. The charges include unlicensed exportation, transportation, possession, and illicit trafficking of controlled drugs, as well as criminal conspiracy. Usman Ali also faces an additional charge of criminal solicitation. Investigators alleged that the suspects conspired to export the cocaine disguised as commercial cargo labeled as Maggi cubes and lappas, and that some members of the network attempted to recover the shipment and interfere with the investigation after the drugs were discovered.
Inspector General Coleman said the investigation has reached the prosecution stage and that the case will be forwarded to court for trial. He emphasized that while the suspects have been charged, they remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Authorities also disclosed that investigations into an earlier shipment linked to the same network remain ongoing, with additional arrests and charges possible as investigators continue to pursue all individuals connected to the alleged trafficking operation.
