The preliminary hearing in the alleged attempted exportation of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19.2 million is expected to reach a critical stage on Monday, July 13, 2026, when final arguments will be presented before Monrovia City Court Magistrate L. Ben Barco.
Following submissions from both the prosecution and defense, the magistrate will determine whether the prosecution has established sufficient probable cause to transfer the case to Criminal Court “C” for trial.
The prosecution closed its case on Friday after presenting oral testimony and documentary evidence through Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Chief Investigator Col. Moses Meah and Joseph M. Kaiffa, head of the Liberia National Police Anti-Narcotics Unit.
During his testimony, Col. Meah alleged that investigators uncovered an organized drug trafficking network responsible for attempting to smuggle cocaine from Liberia to England. According to the prosecution, the investigation traced six boxes later found to contain cocaine to Paul J. King, Operations Manager of Global Logistics Services (GLS). King allegedly arranged for the shipment by requesting an air waybill from Arthur Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Express Handling Services (EHS), on June 5, 2026.
The cargo, reportedly declared as containing Maggi seasoning cubes and lappas, listed EM Van Group of Companies as the shipper and Ousman Ali as the consignee. Meah testified that Abdullah instructed two employees to collect the shipment from King’s residence after US$2,150 was allegedly delivered there by Emmanuel Kpeh and received by King’s cook, Marie Garbiah.
The six boxes were subsequently transported to Roberts International Airport for export. According to the witness, airport screening officers became suspicious after x-ray images revealed irregularities.
A physical inspection conducted on June 7 allegedly uncovered cocaine concealed inside the shipment. Field tests using United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) testing kits reportedly confirmed the substance as cocaine.
Investigators estimated the street value of the narcotics at more than US$19 million before turning the case over to the Joint Security for further investigation.
The prosecution further alleged that King used several business entities, including EM Van Group of Companies and Asha Group of Companies, as fronts for the trafficking operation. Investigators claimed both companies could not be verified at their listed addresses.
Meah also identified Michael U.S. Brown, also known as Raheem Bah and Polo, as an alleged member of the trafficking network, testifying that Brown had previously been investigated in connection with drug-related offenses.
The witness further alleged that after the cocaine was discovered, Philip Youh, an employee associated with GLS Menzies, contacted King regarding the seizure. King allegedly instructed him to negotiate with airport personnel to secure the release of the cargo, while another suspect, Oscar Brown, who remains at large, also allegedly attempted to recover the shipment.
Throughout his testimony, Meah maintained that investigators respected King’s constitutional rights during the investigation despite his being represented by multiple defense lawyers. The prosecution alleges that Paul J. King, Michael U.S. Brown, Ousman Ali, Oscar Brown, Emmanuel Kpeh, and others yet to be identified participated in the alleged trafficking operation.
They are charged with Unlicensed Exportation of Controlled Drugs, Unlicensed Possession and Sale of Controlled Substances, Illegal Drug Trafficking, Criminal Conspiracy, Criminal Facilitation, and Criminal Solicitation.
The prosecution’s second witness, Joseph M. Kaiffa, largely corroborated Meah’s testimony, stating that investigators found discrepancies between the shipment’s documentation and its actual contents.
Kaiffa testified that while the shipment was declared as weighing 200 kilograms, airport officials became suspicious after it weighed 237.6 kilograms, prompting additional screening that allegedly revealed concealed narcotics instead of the declared commercial goods.
He further alleged that King attempted to have the cargo released after learning of its seizure, but airport security personnel refused to release the shipment.
The case stems from a major narcotics seizure announced by the Liberia National Police on July 4, following a joint security investigation into one of the country’s largest alleged cocaine trafficking operations.
Investigators alleged that the shipment was first processed on June 5, but failed to leave Liberia after discrepancies were detected in its weight, shipping documents, and screening images. When the cargo was re-examined two days later, authorities allegedly discovered 198 plates of cocaine concealed inside the six boxes.
Authorities also alleged that attempts were made to bribe airport security personnel, recover the seized narcotics, and obstruct the investigation.
Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman has described the case as a major transnational drug trafficking operation and said law enforcement agencies are pursuing suspects who remain outside Liberia through arrest warrants, international cooperation, extradition proceedings, and mutual legal assistance agreements.
With the prosecution having concluded its evidence, Monday’s proceedings will focus on final legal arguments before Magistrate Barco decides whether the evidence presented is sufficient to send the accused to Criminal Court “C” for trial.
