President Boakai Suspends NOCAL Board Member Over Drug Investigation

Executive Mansion, Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has suspended Peter Malcolm King from his position as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) as investigations continue into the seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport.

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced by the Executive Mansion on Monday, June 22, following a briefing from the Ministry of Justice and the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force.

According to the Executive Mansion, entities linked to King were identified among individuals and institutions requiring further scrutiny as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the cocaine shipment intercepted at the airport earlier this month.

Officials clarified that the President’s decision is an administrative measure aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the investigation and maintaining public confidence in government institutions while the probe remains ongoing.

The Executive Mansion stressed that the suspension should not be viewed as evidence of wrongdoing or a declaration of guilt against King. It noted that the action was taken to ensure the investigation proceeds independently and without any perception of interference.

The development comes as authorities intensify investigations into what is being described as one of the largest drug seizures in Liberia’s recent history. The 237.6 kilograms of cocaine seized at Roberts International Airport is estimated to have a street value of approximately US$19.2 million.

President Boakai has repeatedly pledged his administration’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and strengthening accountability across public institutions. The government says it remains determined to ensure that everyone connected to the case is investigated in accordance with the law.

The President has also called on the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their work without interference, warning against speculation that could compromise the ongoing investigation.

Authorities say the probe remains active, with security agencies continuing efforts to identify all individuals and entities connected to the shipment as they seek to establish the full extent of the alleged drug trafficking operation.