LDEA RIA COMMANDER MOSES JALLAH REARRESTED OVER ALLEGED FLIGHT ATTEMPT IN $19.2M COCAINE CASE

MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Commander Moses Jallah has reportedly been rearrested after allegedly attempting to leave Liberia through Roberts International Airport (RIA), where authorities earlier seized approximately 317 kilograms of suspected cocaine valued at about US$19.2 million, potentially deepening his involvement in one of Liberia’s biggest drug investigations.

Jallah was previously released after being charged by a Ministry of Justice Special Investigation Team with Hindering Law Enforcement, Obstruction of Government Function, and Tampering with a Criminal Investigation. The charges stem from allegations that he interfered with the investigation surrounding the June 8 cocaine seizure at RIA.

His reported rearrest over an alleged attempt to leave the country could significantly change the direction of the case, as authorities may now examine whether the LDEA commander was attempting to evade further investigation or prosecution. The development could also trigger additional charges if investigators establish a direct connection between his alleged actions and the cocaine shipment.

The cocaine was reportedly discovered inside six cargo boxes at RIA and was allegedly destined for London, England. The shipment had reportedly been declared as general merchandise, including lappas and Maggi cubes, before security personnel detected irregularities during screening.

Investigators have been examining allegations that individuals within or connected to the security system attempted to facilitate the release of the shipment or interfere with the arrest of persons linked to the suspected narcotics operation. Jallah reportedly came under scrutiny over his alleged contacts with individuals connected to the shipment and questions surrounding actions he took after the suspected cocaine was discovered.

Businessman George Harris, also known as Leroy Harris, has also been named in the investigation.

 Investigators reportedly allege that Harris attempted to use money and influence to secure the release of the shipment and prevent authorities from proceeding with the case.

Jallah has denied wrongdoing, reportedly arguing that he acted on intelligence received from his superiors and informed the appropriate authorities about alleged attempts to influence him. He has also maintained that he was gathering intelligence on individuals who later became subjects of the investigation.

Despite his defense, the Ministry of Justice investigation reportedly determined that there was sufficient evidence to prosecute him on the obstruction-related charges. His latest reported rearrest could now place greater pressure on investigators to establish whether his alleged conduct went beyond obstruction and was connected to the attempted movement of the cocaine.

If prosecutors formally expand the charges, they would have to prove what Jallah allegedly knew, when he knew it, and whether any of his actions were intended to facilitate the shipment, protect individuals involved, or interfere with the government's investigation. For now, the allegations remain unproven, and Jallah is entitled to due process and a fair hearing before a court of competent jurisdiction.