Monrovia – A high-profile public hearing by the Liberian Senate into the ongoing investigation of the US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA) has intensified concerns over the handling of the case, with lawmakers questioning how one of the principal suspects, Michael Browne, allegedly left the Monrovia Central Prison and fled Liberia while investigations were underway.
By Obediah Johnson, obediah.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com
The hearing exposed growing scepticism among senators about the pace of the investigation, allegations of preferential treatment for certain individuals connected to the case, and the circumstances surrounding Browne’s disappearance after his name resurfaced in connection with the massive cocaine seizure.
Michael Browne, a former employee of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) widely known by the nickname “US Marshall,” has become a central figure in the investigation. He reportedly earned the nickname because of his habit of displaying large sums of United States currency.
Browne was previously arrested during Liberia’s 2024 Kush drug crisis after authorities intercepted approximately 10 kilograms of Kush hidden inside tea packages aboard an SN Brussels Airlines flight. Following that seizure, he was dismissed from the Liberia Airport Authority and prosecuted on drug-related charges.
Investigators now believe Browne may have played a significant role in the latest cocaine trafficking operation. According to information presented during the investigation, he allegedly contacted GLS-Menzies General Manager Paul King regarding one of the cocaine packages that investigators believe had been stored at King’s residence before it was prepared for shipment.
Investigators have reportedly known of Browne’s possible connection to the cocaine case since June 12, 2026. However, lawmakers questioned why he was neither publicly identified as a person of interest nor brought in for questioning before he disappeared from Liberia.
Authorities are also examining allegations that Browne may have used the name “Rahem Bah” during communications linked to the shipment. Telephone records reportedly indicate that the number identified by Paul King as belonging to Rahem Bah is actually registered in Browne’s name, prompting investigators to determine whether the alias was deliberately used to conceal his identity while arranging international cargo shipments.
Paul King, who voluntarily returned to Liberia after news of the cocaine seizure emerged, has consistently maintained that he merely served as a freight forwarding agent. He has insisted that he neither inspected cargo nor had responsibility for determining what was inside the shipments. During questioning, King reportedly identified “Rahem Bah” as the individual who requested shipping services for cargo destined for London’s Heathrow Airport.
Investigators are also reviewing extensive telephone records showing repeated communication between Browne’s registered number and several airport employees as they attempt to determine whether a broader criminal network facilitated the movement of narcotics through Roberts International Airport.
During Wednesday’s Senate hearing, Senators Bill Twehway of Rivercess County and Edwin Snowe of Bomi County questioned how Browne allegedly managed to leave prison and subsequently flee Liberia after his alleged connection to the cocaine investigation became public.
Senator Twehway argued that international drug trafficking operations often involve individuals within national security institutions, warning that Liberia should not assume it is immune from such practices.
“People often say that no major drug trafficker can successfully operate without assistance from individuals occupying senior positions within the security sector. The serious question now is how Michael Browne, who had already been indicted, managed to leave prison,” Senator Twehway declared.
He further alleged that Browne disappeared shortly after investigators connected him to the latest cocaine seizure.
According to Senator Twehway, reports circulating publicly suggest that unidentified individuals secretly facilitated Browne’s departure from prison to prevent him from cooperating with investigators and exposing additional individuals allegedly connected to the trafficking operation.
Senator Snowe also recalled Browne’s earlier arrest for alleged drug trafficking and questioned the circumstances surrounding his release from prison.
“Michael Browne was already incarcerated for a previous drug offense. Once his name surfaced in this cocaine investigation, he suddenly disappeared from the Central Prison before investigators could obtain crucial information from him,” Senator Snowe asserted.
Senator Snowe challenged members of the Joint Security to produce official court documents proving that Browne had been legally released before leaving the country.
Meanwhile, Senator Samuel Kogar called for sweeping action against the country’s security leadership, arguing that the investigation would not achieve meaningful results while current leaders remained in office.
Senator Kogar recommended that the heads of the Liberia National Police (LNP), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) be suspended to allow subordinate officers to freely disclose information regarding individuals allegedly connected to the cocaine trafficking network.
“The leaders of these institutions were entrusted with protecting Liberia’s security. If we genuinely want the truth to emerge, these officials should step aside because junior officers will then be able to speak openly about everyone involved,” Senator Kogar argued.
His remarks immediately sparked tension inside the Senate chamber after Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman accused the senator of making reckless statements.
The disagreement prompted Presiding Officer Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence to instruct Coleman to apologize to Senator Kogar, a directive the Police Inspector General complied with by offering a public apology before the hearing continued.
Senator Kogar further argued that the prolonged delay in announcing arrests and criminal charges has fuelled increasing public suspicion and speculation involving President Joseph Boakai.
Several senators expressed frustration that nearly one month after the cocaine seizure, investigators had yet to arrest any principal suspect despite publicly acknowledging where the cocaine had allegedly been stored, transported, and prepared for export.
Lawmakers also questioned what they described as apparent preferential treatment being extended to some individuals under investigation, particularly GLS-Menzies Operations Manager Paul King, who admitted that the cocaine had been taken to his residence before being transported to the airport.
Senator Gbleh-bo Brown of Maryland County criticized investigators for allowing King to remain free despite his acknowledged connection to the storage location.
“Our young people continue dying because of drugs, yet the individuals allegedly responsible are not being immediately arrested. The Legislature deliberately made serious drug offenses non-bailable so authorities could act swiftly. Why should someone admit that drugs were stored at his residence and still be allowed to return home every evening while investigations continue?” Senator Brown asked.
He further argued that ordinary Liberians accused of drug offenses frequently experience aggressive law enforcement tactics, while individuals with influence appear to receive more favorable treatment.
Several lawmakers also questioned why Paul King had not been formally arrested despite investigators acknowledging that his residence allegedly served as the temporary storage location for the cocaine shipment.
Additional concerns were raised over the government’s failure to dispose of properties confiscated from convicted drug traffickers as provided under Liberia’s revised drug laws to help finance anti-drug enforcement efforts.
Senators further criticized repeated leaks of confidential investigative information, warning that such disclosures suggest the possible involvement of influential individuals with access to sensitive information.
Senator James Biney cautioned investigators that public confidence in the criminal justice system would continue to decline unless decisive action was taken.
He urged authorities to immediately arrest and formally charge every suspect regardless of social standing or political influence.
“The courts exist to determine innocence or guilt. Investigators should file charges where evidence exists and allow the judicial process to determine responsibility,” Senator Biney emphasized.
Responding to lawmakers, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman confirmed that Browne had previously been dismissed from the Liberia Airport Authority before being prosecuted in connection with earlier drug allegations.
However, Coleman neither confirmed nor denied reports that Browne had been officially released from the Monrovia Central Prison through judicial action.
He acknowledged that Browne’s current whereabouts remain unknown and confirmed that the suspect has been missing since his name surfaced during the latest cocaine investigation.
Coleman also identified several additional persons of interest who remain at large, including Rahem Bah, who allegedly delivered the cocaine to Paul King, airport employee Oscar Brown, who is reportedly in China for training, and consignee Ousman Ali.
The Police Inspector General disclosed that no arrests had yet been made in connection with the cocaine seizure but assured senators that investigators were nearing the conclusion of their work.
According to Coleman, suspects connected to the case would be arrested and formally charged before the end of the week based on their individual roles in the alleged trafficking operation.
“Yes, arrests will be made. We understand the public’s concerns, but this investigation involves multiple individuals and requires careful coordination. We are almost at that point,” Coleman stated.
He stressed that the investigation extends beyond state institutions and includes both government officials and private individuals.
LDEA Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald T. M. Biago confirmed that Browne had indeed been arrested by the agency during the 2024 drug investigation before being forwarded to court.
According to Biago, available records indicate that Browne’s legal counsel signed documentation during the court proceedings, although he did not elaborate on the circumstances leading to Browne’s subsequent release.
Biago also informed lawmakers that officers assigned to Roberts International Airport continue to face serious operational challenges because they lack modern equipment capable of detecting sophisticated narcotics entering or leaving Liberia.
He disclosed that procurement efforts are underway to acquire advanced detection technology for airport operations.
Biago additionally revealed that although he currently serves as Officer-in-Charge of the LDEA, he remains on the payroll as Deputy Commissioner of Police because he has not yet been formally appointed as the agency’s substantive head.
Acting Justice Minister Cora Hare Konuwa assured senators that her ministry would provide all available documentation explaining the legal circumstances surrounding Browne’s release.
She emphasized that only a competent court or a presidential pardon can lawfully authorize the release of an inmate, adding that she presently had no personal knowledge regarding Browne’s departure from custody.
Following the lengthy hearing, the Senate directed its Joint Committee on Security, National Defense, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs, together with the Committee on Ways, Means and Finance, to conduct an independent investigation into how Browne allegedly secured his release before fleeing Liberia.
The committee was also instructed to prioritize recommendations for the immediate acquisition of modern drug detection equipment for the LDEA to strengthen airport security.
Lawmakers expect the committee to submit its findings during next Thursday’s plenary session.
The Senate further warned that it would suspend future legislative engagement with the LDEA if President Joseph Boakai fails to appoint a substantive Director General for the agency.
Lawmakers observed that Fitzgerald Biago has served in an acting capacity for more than one year and maintained that the President should either formally confirm him or appoint a permanent head to lead the country’s anti-drug enforcement institution.
