By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to suspend the operations of GLS Menzies and Express Holding Services (EHS) following the record seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine—valued at an estimated US$19 million—at Roberts International Airport.
On Thursday, June 25, 2026, lawmakers passed a resolution requesting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to temporarily shutter both companies pending the outcome of a full-scale investigation into the drug bust. The motion, introduced by Bong County Representative James Kolleh, secured 37 votes in favor, with no dissents or abstentions.
The resolution authorizes interim government oversight of the companies’ operations and explicitly urges the Executive branch to classify all individuals linked to the narcotics as formal suspects, rather than the less-stringent “persons of interest.” The House will formally communicate its decision to both the President and the Senate for further action.
During the floor debate, some legislators, including Representative Ivar Jones, pushed for the outright revocation of GLS Cargo’s concession agreement. However, the chamber did not act on that proposal. House Speaker Richard N. Koon announced that the joint security task force is scheduled to brief the legislature on June 29, 2026, regarding the status of the investigation.
The cocaine seizure occurred on June 8, when officers from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and allied security forces intercepted 198 compressed packages concealed inside six cargo boxes at the airport. Authorities confirmed that the shipment was allegedly destined for Europe aboard a Brussels Airlines cargo flight.
A Joint Security Task Force—comprising the LDEA, Liberia National Police, Ministry of Justice, and the National Security Agency—has since named at least ten individuals of interest. Among those identified are Paul J. King and Peter Malcolm King of GLS Cargo Handling, Philip Yeoh (the company’s security manager), and Arthur B. Abdullai, CEO of EHS Africa Logistics.
In response, President Boakai suspended Peter Malcolm King from his position on the board of the National Oil Company of Liberia. The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has also placed seven employees on administrative leave—Nathan E. Watson, Henry Y. King, Geraldine C. Zeon, Ruth G. Gbapawea, Benjamin Rivercess, Mohammed Gbowrah, and Roland G. Taylor—while indefinitely suspending Oscar J. Brown. The LAA stressed that these measures are precautionary and do not constitute findings of guilt.
Witness testimony suggests that the six drug-laden boxes were transported from the Old Road residence of GLS executive Paul King before arriving at the airport, deepening scrutiny on the handling chain at Liberia’s primary international gateway.
Drug is a non-billable crime in Liberia.
In January 2024, President Boakai officially declared the drug crisis a national emergency, forming a Multisectoral Steering Committee to lead inter-ministerial efforts. National Anti-Drug Action Plan (2025–2030). Formally launched in late 2025, this five-year, $200,000 initially budgeted framework unifies public health, security, and education initiatives.
