Police IG: Arrests Expected Before Week’s End in US$19 Million Drug Case

Capitol Hill, Liberia: Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman has informed the Liberian Senate that arrests will be made before the end of the week as the investigation into the reported US$19 million drug seizure enters a new phase.

Appearing before the Senate on Tuesday, Coleman said investigators have made significant progress and are preparing to take further action against individuals linked to the case.

The announcement came during a hearing at which members of the Joint Security updated lawmakers on the investigation into the reported seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately US$19 million, at Roberts International Airport (RIA).

During the hearing, the Joint Security disclosed that investigators have not yet located or arrested the individual who allegedly handed the drugs over to Global Logistics Services (GLS) General Manager Paul J. King, whose warehouse was allegedly used to store the shipment.

The disclosure prompted Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon to question why those already connected to the case had not been prosecuted.

“You have the drugs; you have the person who kept them; you have the location where they were kept, and the warehouse, so why have you not arrested them?” Dillon asked.

The senator argued that if investigators are unable to identify or apprehend the alleged suppliers, authorities should move ahead with prosecuting those found in possession of or linked to the drugs.

“If you cannot find those who gave the drugs to GLS, then the drugs are for them. Arrest them, take them to court and prosecute them,” Dillon said.

Responding to lawmakers, Coleman maintained that the investigation remains active and assured the Senate that arrests are imminent.

“Before the weekend, there will be arrests made in connection with the reported US$19 million drug seizure case,” the Police Inspector General said.

The reported drug seizure has become one of Liberia’s biggest narcotics investigations in recent years. It has drawn intense public attention, with lawmakers and citizens demanding a transparent investigation and accountability for everyone found to have played a role in the alleged trafficking operation.