Paul King Seeks Court Hearing to Challenge Drug Charges as Lawyers Prepare Bail Request

The legal team representing Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS), has asked the Monrovia City Court to hold a preliminary hearing to examine the charges brought against him in the reported US$19.2 million cocaine case.

During Monday’s court appearance, King’s lead lawyer, Cllr. Amara Sheriff, informed the court that he needed time to study the prosecution’s case before determining the defense’s next legal steps. State prosecutors did not oppose the request, but the court ordered that King remain in custody pending further proceedings.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Cllr. Sheriff disclosed plans to file a motion requesting bail for his client, despite the fact that the offenses filed against King are generally considered non-bailable under Liberian law.

The defense maintains that King was outside Liberia when the alleged crime took place. According to Sheriff, King had been in the United States and voluntarily returned home after learning that his company had been linked to the investigation, insisting that his intention was to cooperate with authorities and clear his name.

Sheriff also questioned why other individuals named in the investigation have not been arrested, arguing that his client willingly returned to assist investigators but ended up being charged and detained.

The case stems from the seizure of about 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at the Roberts International Airport cargo terminal on June 8, 2026. Investigators estimate the drugs had a street value of more than US$19 million and were reportedly being prepared for shipment to Europe on a Brussels Airlines flight.

According to Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman, King and GLS are accused of helping facilitate the movement, storage, and export of six boxes containing the suspected cocaine. Authorities have charged King with illegal exportation, transportation, possession, drug trafficking, and criminal conspiracy under Liberia’s Amended Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2023 and the Revised Penal Code.

Police have also named four other suspects in the case: Michael U.S. Browne, also known as Rahim or Raheem Bah; Oscar J. Browne; Emmanuel Kpah; and Usman Ali, who investigators identified as the intended consignee in the United Kingdom. Authorities say those individuals remain outside Liberia or are avoiding arrest, leaving King as the only suspect currently in custody.

Investigators allege that Michael Browne coordinated the shipment using false cargo documents and later attempted to retrieve it after it was intercepted. Police further claim that Emmanuel Kpah delivered both the May and June consignments to GLS, while Usman Ali was listed as the overseas recipient.

The court has not yet announced a date for the preliminary hearing. If granted, prosecutors will be required to present evidence showing there is sufficient cause for the case to proceed, while the defense will have an opportunity to challenge the allegations before trial.