MONROVIA — The Ministry of Justice has announced that Paul J. King, General Manager of GLS Menzies and one of several individuals named as persons of interest in Liberia’s ongoing US$19 million cocaine investigation, has returned to the country and voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
King, who had previously been listed among individuals being sought by the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, is now in the custody of security authorities and is assisting investigators probing the June 8 seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport.
The Ministry said King presented himself to authorities voluntarily and is currently being held under the supervision of joint security personnel while investigators continue efforts to uncover the full network of individuals and entities allegedly connected to the importation, concealment, transportation, and attempted exportation of the narcotics.
“His cooperation is expected to support the Task Force’s efforts to establish the complete network of individuals and entities linked to the importation, concealment, transportation, and attempted exportation of the narcotics in question,” the Ministry said in a statement issued Sunday.
King, his brother Peter King, and several others had earlier been designated as persons of interest in the expanding investigation into what authorities have described as one of Liberia’s most significant drug seizures in recent years.
The Ministry emphasized that King’s status as a person of interest does not amount to a finding of guilt and reiterated that he is entitled to all constitutional protections, including access to legal counsel, due process, and protection against intimidation or mistreatment while in custody.
“The Government of Liberia commends Mr. King’s voluntary cooperation as a step toward full accountability and reiterates its commitment to a thorough, evidence-based, and impartial investigation that follows the facts wherever they lead, regardless of position, influence, or status,” the statement noted.
Authorities also renewed their appeal to other persons of interest who remain at large to surrender themselves to investigators.
The Ministry warned that both national and international efforts to locate and apprehend outstanding individuals connected to the case remain active, adding that “time will not diminish the reach of the law.”
The investigation stems from the interception of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, a case that has attracted significant public attention and intensified calls for accountability from civil society groups and anti-corruption advocates.
The Ministry of Justice says it will continue to provide updates to the public as the investigation progresses, while maintaining the integrity of the ongoing criminal probe.
