-In US$317M Drug Probe
By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Government of Liberia has confirmed that Leroy Harries, owner of the Private Bar Nightclub in Paynesville, has been formally charged by the Liberia National Police (LNP), in connection with the ongoing investigation into the US$317 million drug trafficking cases.
Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah announced the charges on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Ministry of Information (MOI) regular press conference. He confirmed that Harries is among the first individuals to face prosecution in the high-profile case.
According to Minister Piah, authorities have charged Harries with criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, illegal possession of unlicensed illicit substances, unlicensed importation of illicit drugs, money laundering, drug trafficking, trading and sale of narcotics, and economic sabotage.
Minister Piah said the Liberia National Police (LNP) continues to investigate the case and expects to make additional arrests as detectives gather more evidence.
He added that law enforcement remains committed to pursuing all individuals linked to the alleged criminal enterprise.
