By James T. Brooks
Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr. has strongly denied any association with an individual linked to the country’s US$19.2 million drug investigation, asserting that a photograph does not prove a personal relationship. In a Facebook post, Koung rejected allegations made on Spoon TV that he had been associating with a man identified only as “Anthony,” who is allegedly connected to the ongoing drug case, and that the two had appeared together in group photographs. Koung clarified that taking photographs with citizens is simply part of his official duties, noting that as Vice President, he takes photos with many individuals at public and private events. He explicitly stated that he does not know Anthony and that the photo taken does not suggest knowledge of any personal dealings the individual may be involved with.
The response follows comments by FrontPageAfrica Publisher Rodney Sieh on the Spoon Night Talkshow, where he stated that the vice president had been seen with people linked to the 19 million drugs saga and should publicly explain the relationship. Sieh emphasized that he was not accusing the vice president or saying anyone was involved in trafficking drugs, but rather that Liberians deserve to know the extent of the connection when photographs surface showing people associated with the vice president. He also referenced Michael U.S. Browne, a defendant in a separate 2024 drug case who resurfaced as a person of interest in the 2026 Roberts International Airport seizure, stating that the vice president should address his relationship with Browne as well.
In defense of his record, Koung maintained a zero-tolerance stance on drugs, citing remarks he made following the November 24, 2025, arrest of Clifford Payne in a suspected drug case. At that time, Koung stated that if his wife, children, relatives, friends, political associates, or employees were ever connected to drug-related activities, they should face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, established after the June 8, 2026, seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at GLS-Menzies inside the Roberts International Airport, has not officially named anyone identified as “Anthony” as a person of interest or suspect, and the Ministry of Justice has not commented on the claim. Among those charged on Saturday, July 4, are Paul J. King, operations manager of GLS; Michael U.S. Browne, also known as Rahim or Raheem Bah; Oscar J. Browne; Emmanuel Kpah; and Usman Ali. Authorities have stated that Browne’s 2024 release from Kakata Central Prison was solely pursuant to a court order and is separate from the 2026 case, despite documents showing coordinated involvement between the Ministry of Justice and the court in securing his release. The investigation, which stands as one of Liberia’s largest drug cases, is being closely followed across the country and by the Liberian Senate, which earlier launched a probe into delays in making arrests, while President Boakai has addressed the nation to assure citizens that no one will be shielded in the case.
