MONROVIA – The largest cocaine trafficking prosecution took another dramatic turn on Thursday as prosecutors presented testimony alleging that Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS), attempted to secure the release of a massive cocaine shipment after it had already been intercepted by security officers at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
By Willie N. Tokpah
The allegations emerged during King’s preliminary examination before the Monrovia City Court, where the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) continued laying out what it says is evidence of a sophisticated drug trafficking operation involving multiple individuals and logistics companies.
At the center of Thursday’s proceedings was testimony from LDEA Chief Investigator Colonel Moses L. Meah, who told the court that investigators believe King coordinated the movement of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at an estimated US$19.2 million, through a network of associates before airport security intercepted the shipment.
According to Meah, investigators concluded that the operation began from King’s residence in Sinkor, where the cocaine was allegedly stored before arrangements were made for its transportation to Roberts International Airport.
Giving evidence under oath, Meah testified that King admitted during the investigation that the cocaine had been kept at his residence before it was transported to the airport.
“The case involving defendant Paul King and others, I am pleased and happy to testify to the facts that Paul King admitted that the 237.6kg of cocaine was at his house and later was seized at the airport,” Meah told the court.
The investigator further testified that King allegedly contacted Arthur Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Express Handling Services, requesting an air waybill for six cartons that were reportedly destined for England.
According to the testimony, investigators believe the shipment identified EM Van Group of Companies as the shipper, while Usman Ali was listed as the consignee.
Meah further alleged that King instructed Abdullah to collect the six cartons from his residence on Old Road in Sinkor after co-defendant Emmanuel Kpeh allegedly delivered the packages to the location.
The witness told the court that King’s housemate, Marie Garbiah, allegedly received the cartons and collected US$2,150 before releasing them for transportation.
The prosecution maintains that the shipment proceeded to Roberts International Airport, where routine security screening ultimately disrupted what investigators believe was an international drug trafficking operation.
According to Meah, airport security screener Ruth Gbarpaywhea became suspicious after observing unusual images while scanning the six cartons.
“During the scanning of the six boxes, Ruth observed images on the screen that were dark and that she could not understand and interpret,” Meah testified.
Her decision to order a physical inspection, prosecutors said, resulted in the discovery of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside the shipment.
Investigators told the court that subsequent testing conducted with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime testing kits confirmed the substance was cocaine.
Perhaps the most dramatic allegation presented during Thursday’s proceedings concerned events that allegedly occurred after the drugs had already been seized.
Meah testified that King allegedly attempted to recover the shipment by seeking the assistance of security personnel.
“After the discovery of the cocaine, Paul King was informed about the seizure of the drugs. He was in communication to see how best to release the six boxes over to him. He promised to provide money to the security to release the six boxes,” the investigator testified.
The allegation, if proven, would suggest an attempt not only to traffic narcotics but also to interfere with law enforcement after the drugs had already been intercepted. The claim remains an allegation presented by the prosecution and has not been proven in court.
The LDEA also alleged that fugitive suspect Oscar Brown participated in efforts to recover the seized shipment.
“Oscar Brown was actively involved in negotiating to free the drugs,” Meah told the court.
Throughout his testimony, the investigator described what authorities believe is an organized criminal network operating behind legitimate business activities.
“Drugs issue is a syndicate that involves many people,” Meah testified, suggesting that investigators believe the case extends beyond the individuals currently before the court.
He also alleged that co-defendant Michael U.S. Brown operated under multiple identities, including Rahim Bah and Polo Bah, to facilitate aspects of the alleged operation.
“This man alone is using three different names, Michael U.S. Brown, Raheem Bah, and Mr. Bah Polo. These are people that he is using to pollute this country with drugs,” Meah testified.
The investigator further challenged the defense to establish the legitimacy of EM Van Group of Companies, a business prosecutors say featured prominently during the investigation.
“I challenge the lawyers representing him to go and locate EM Van Group of Companies and convince this court,” Meah declared.
Despite the prosecution’s detailed testimony, the proceedings also highlighted the importance of procedural safeguards within Liberia’s judicial system.
State prosecutors attempted to introduce a photocopy of King’s written investigative statement into evidence after it was identified by the witness.
Defense lawyers immediately objected, arguing that only the original document could be admitted into evidence.
Following arguments from both sides, prosecutors conceded the objection.
Monrovia City Court Judge L. Ben Barco sustained the defense’s argument and instructed the prosecution to return with the original investigative statement before proceedings continue.
The ruling means prosecutors must now produce one of the case’s key documentary exhibits as they continue seeking to establish probable cause against King and his co-defendants.
The proceedings are expected to resume as the court continues examining the evidence in what has become one of Liberia’s most closely watched criminal prosecutions.
Paul J. King has denied the allegations against him. He remains charged, along with several co-defendants, with illegal trafficking, criminal conspiracy, unlicensed exportation and sale of controlled substances, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, and other related offenses arising from the alleged attempted exportation of cocaine through Roberts International Airport.
As the preliminary examination continues, the court will determine whether the prosecution has presented sufficient admissible evidence to allow the case to proceed to trial, where the allegations will be fully tested through Liberia’s judicial process.If you’d like, I can also make this read more like an investigative newspaper feature with deeper background, context, and narrative while maintaining the necessary legal caveats.
