By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA — Liberian activist-in-exile Martin K. N. Kollie has welcomed the latest findings of the Joint Special Investigation into the US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA) but has sharply criticized what he describes as major omissions in the investigation, alleging that key individuals connected to the alleged trafficking network have been shielded from prosecution.
In a detailed statement issued on July 4, 2026, shortly after Inspector General Gregory Coleman announced criminal charges against several suspects, Kollie argued that while investigators had taken an important step by charging some individuals, they failed to pursue what he considers the alleged masterminds behind the trafficking operation.
“There should be no sacred cow. The cartel must be dismantled. Liberia First,” Kollie declared.
His statement comes just hours after the Liberia National Police announced charges against Global Logistics Services (GLS), its Operations Manager Paul J. King, and several other suspects over the interception of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at more than US$19 million, which authorities allege was destined for export through Roberts International Airport.
Kollie’s strongest criticism centers on the police decision to charge Global Logistics Services as a corporate entity while not naming its owner and Chief Executive Officer, Peter King, as either a suspect or even a person of interest.
According to Kollie, the police investigation itself alleges that GLS conspired, facilitated, stored, transported, and assisted in trafficking the cocaine through the airport cargo system. He questioned how the company could face serious criminal allegations while its chief executive remains outside the scope of the announced charges.
Kollie argued that Peter King exercised complete ownership and operational control over the company and directly supervised cargo operations and employees.
He further pointed to an earlier public statement issued by Peter King on June 28, in which the GLS executive acknowledged that company procedures had detected discrepancies involving the shipment before its seizure.
Kollie contends that such circumstances warrant further criminal scrutiny and alleged that excluding the company’s chief executive raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and equal application of the law.
He also questioned why GLS continues to operate at Roberts International Airport despite facing multiple criminal charges under Liberia’s anti-drug laws, arguing that authorities have yet to explain whether any regulatory measures have been taken against the company.
The activist also challenged investigators over what he described as the omission of another individual allegedly linked to transporting the cocaine.
Citing witness statements that he claims were provided during the investigation, Kollie alleged that Arthur Abdullai, identified as an EHS Country Manager, regularly transported consignments from Paul King’s residence to the airport.
He argued that Liberia’s 2023 Amended Controlled Drugs and Substance Act criminalizes the transportation of controlled substances and questioned why Abdullai was neither charged nor publicly identified as a suspect.
Kollie suggested that investigators should explain whether the omission resulted from oversight or another reason.
Another major concern raised by Kollie involves what he describes as an earlier successful cocaine shipment allegedly exported through Roberts International Airport on May 22, 2026.
While acknowledging that the Joint Special Investigation referenced evidence of a previous shipment, Kollie argued that investigators stopped short of fully incorporating that alleged operation into the criminal findings announced on Saturday.
He claimed the May shipment allegedly involved approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine and utilized the same shipping methods, airway bill information, consignee, and consignor names that authorities now allege were used during the June seizure.
According to Kollie, both shipments allegedly relied on “Emre Venn Group of Companies,” which investigators have described as a fictitious company allegedly used to facilitate the trafficking operation.
He argued that investigators should expand the prosecution to encompass all related shipments rather than focusing primarily on the June 5 consignment.
Kollie also expressed concern that only one of the five principal suspects announced by police is currently in custody, while the remaining suspects have reportedly fled or remain outside Liberia.
He urged the government to move quickly to seek INTERPOL Red Notices, extradition requests, and other forms of international law enforcement cooperation to ensure those charged in absentia are brought before Liberian courts.
According to Kollie, successfully dismantling what authorities have described as a transnational trafficking network will require pursuing every suspect regardless of political influence, financial status, or location.
Despite his criticisms, Kollie welcomed the progress made by the Joint Special Investigative Team and acknowledged the decision to elevate GLS Operations Manager Paul J. King from a person of interest to a criminal suspect.
However, he maintained that the investigation remains incomplete unless all individuals allegedly involved are subjected to the same legal scrutiny.
He argued that Liberia’s fight against narcotics must be conducted without favoritism, emphasizing that public confidence depends on equal enforcement of the law.
Kollie concluded his statement by reminding authorities that the cocaine investigation extends beyond criminal prosecutions and reflects the broader social consequences of narcotics trafficking across Liberia.
He said countless Liberian families have suffered the devastating effects of drug abuse, with many young people falling victim to addiction fueled by international trafficking networks.
Declaring that “the cartel must be dismantled,” Kollie pledged to continue monitoring the investigation while urging authorities to ensure that no individual is considered untouchable.
As of publication, the Liberia National Police has not publicly responded to the specific concerns raised in Kollie’s statement regarding additional suspects or the status of any potential investigation involving Peter King or other individuals mentioned by the activist. Under Liberia’s legal system, all persons accused of crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
