-Against Judge Over $US19.2 Million Drug Suspect Release
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – The House of Representatives is considering an impeachment proceeding against Judge T. Ciapha Carey of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County, following his controversial decision to release Mr. Michael U.S. Brown, the prime suspect in the $19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The move came on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole filed a motion arguing that the judge’s order undermines Liberia’s drug laws, which explicitly classify narcotics offenses as non-bailable crimes.
The impeachment consideration stemmed from a formal communication by Representative James M. Kolleh of Bong County’s Electoral District #2, who requested that both the Minister of Justice and Attorney General and the presiding judge be summoned to explain the circumstances surrounding Brown’s release. Several lawmakers, including Representative Micheal Thomas, endorsed the invitation and signaled support for impeachment proceedings should the judge be found to have ordered the suspect’s release without lawful justification.
Brown, a former low-level RIA employee also known by aliases Rahim Bah and Polo Bah, first came to national attention in 2024 when he was arrested and indicted for attempting to smuggle approximately 10 kilograms of kush—a synthetic cannabis variant valued at US$200,000—hidden in tea shipments. He was remanded to custody on charges that are statutorily non-bailable under Liberian drug enforcement laws.
On September 20, 2024, Judge T. Ciapha Carey of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County ordered Brown’s release. Prison authorities at Kakata Central Prison had requested the release citing severe chest injuries that required outside medical treatment. His fiancée and sister signed a human surety bond pledging to return him to court. However, the case disappeared from the active docket for nearly two years, with no trial date set and no bench warrants issued.
In June 2026, joint security forces intercepted a massive cocaine shipment valued at US$19 million at RIA. The cargo, falsely declared as Maggi seasoning cubes and traditional lappa fabrics, was destined for Birmingham, England. Investigators formally charged Brown in absentia, accusing him of orchestrating the shipment through bogus front companies, falsifying cargo manifests, and making repeated calls to secure the drug cache after its discovery. Brown is currently at large and evading law enforcement.
During Tuesday’s floor debate, the House unanimously agreed through a motion to formally write the Chief Justice, requesting that the judge appear before the body on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The summons also includes the Justice Minister, the prison superintendent, and the suspect’s legal counsel. Lawmakers further demanded that the judge produce all communications related to Brown’s incarceration and subsequent release.
Impeachment Procedure Under Liberian Law
Under Article 43 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, impeachment is a two-stage political and legal process. The House of Representatives holds sole authority to initiate complaints and prepare a formal Bill of Impeachment for proved misconduct, gross breach of duty, inability to perform official functions, or criminal convictions such as treason or bribery. The House investigates claims, gathers evidence, and votes on whether to forward the bill to the Senate.
The Senate then holds exclusive authority to try all impeachment cases. If a lower court judge is on trial, the President of the Senate—who is also the Vice President of Liberia—presides. The accused is entitled to legal counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and a full defense hearing. Senators sit as jurors, and conviction requires a two-thirds concurrence vote of the Senate’s total membership.
The case has intensified public scrutiny over institutional corruption, with human rights officials alleging that “big hands” within the government, law enforcement, and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) actively shield drug traffickers. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has clarified that Brown’s 2024 release was purely a judicial court order, denying any executive involvement. The Ministry also emphasized that the 2024 kush case is legally distinct from the ongoing 2026 cocaine cartel investigation.
The Senate has separately ordered its Judiciary Committee to probe the circumstances surrounding Brown’s release, with senators expressing alarm that authorities knew of his connection to the cocaine shipment as early as June 12, 2026, yet failed to immediately declare him a person of interest.
