-As Court Hears Final Arguments Today
Monrovia: Final arguments in the preliminary hearing involving the alleged attempted exportation of cocaine valued at more than US$19.2 million are scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2026, before Monrovia City Court Magistrate Ben Barco, who will determine whether the prosecution has established sufficient probable cause to forward the case to Criminal Court “C” for trial.
The prosecution on Friday rested its case after presenting testimony and documentary evidence through Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Chief Investigator Col. Moses Meah and Liberia National Police Anti-Narcotics Unit Head Joseph M. Kaiffa.
Meah testified that investigators uncovered what prosecutors allege was an organized drug trafficking network responsible for attempting to export 237.6 kilograms of cocaine from Liberia to England.
According to Meah, six boxes later found to contain cocaine originated from the residence of defendant Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS). He alleged that King arranged an air waybill through Express Handling Services (EHS) for the shipment, which listed EM Van Group of Companies as the shipper and Ousman Ali as the consignee. The boxes were allegedly collected from King’s residence after his cook, Marie Garbiah, received US$2,150 from Emmanuel Kpeh and handed over the cargo.
The investigator testified that the shipment was transported to Roberts International Airport, where suspicious screening images prompted a physical inspection on June 7. Authorities allegedly discovered cocaine concealed inside six boxes declared as containing Maggi seasoning cubes and lappas. Field tests using UNODC kits reportedly confirmed the substance as cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding US$19 million.
Meah further alleged that King operated the trafficking network through several business entities, including EM Van Group of Companies and Asha Group of Companies, which investigators said could not be verified. He also identified Michael U.S. Brown, also known as Raheem Bah and Polo, as an alleged member of the network and claimed Oscar Brown, who remains at large, participated in efforts to recover the seized shipment. Meah maintained that King’s constitutional rights were respected throughout the investigation.
Kaiffa largely corroborated Meah’s testimony, telling the court that investigators found discrepancies between the shipment’s documentation and its actual contents. He said airport officials became suspicious after the cargo, declared as 200 kilograms of Maggi cubes and lappas, weighed 237.6 kilograms, prompting additional screening that uncovered the suspected narcotics. Kaiffa also alleged that King later attempted to have the shipment released, but airport security refused.
Prosecutors allege that Paul J. King, Michael U.S. Brown (also known as Raheem Bah and Polo), Ousman Ali, Oscar Brown, Emmanuel Kpeh, and others yet to be identified participated in an organized drug trafficking operation. They face charges including unlicensed exportation, possession and sale of controlled drugs, illegal drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, and criminal solicitation.
The case stems from a July 4 announcement by the Liberia National Police charging five individuals and Global Logistics Services following a joint investigation into the seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport. Investigators allege they also uncovered attempts to bribe airport personnel, recover the seized shipment, and interfere with the investigation.
Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman has described the case as a serious transnational cocaine trafficking operation and said authorities are pursuing suspects outside Liberia through international law enforcement cooperation, extradition proceedings, and mutual legal assistance agreements.
