Liberia Police Chief Tells Senate Public Hearing “The Investigation Has Made Significant Progress”
PHOTO: Police IG Gregory Coleman facing the Liberian Senate
Amidst anxiety and speculations about what is seen as slow pace of investigations into the US$19.2 million cocaine bust recently at the Roberts International Airport, the Inspector General of the Liberia, Gregory Coleman has told a Senate public hearing that investigations are at an advance stage and that an unknown number of potential suspects will be charged by this weekend.
The 237.6 kilograms of narcotic drugs were initially seized by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) on June 8, 2026, sparking huge public interest in how the substance ended up at the airport and who were behind the scandal. Both lawmakers called for legislative intervention and an independent investigation into the huge drug seizure.
Communications to the Senate for the appearance of the Police IG and joint security to face hearing on the issue came from Gbarpolu County Senator, Amara Konneh and Bomi County Senator Edwin Snowe recently.
Few weeks ago, Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh told a news conference in Monrovia that the Joint security of Liberia arrested a number of individuals as persons of interest identified through witness statements, cargo documentation, operational records, and preliminary findings.
A few others were said to be on the run but later turned themselves in to the joint security. Those arrested at the time include Philip Yeoh, security manager at GLS Menzies; Festus S. Musa, a cargo handler at GLS Menzies; Ruth Gbapaywhea, an RIA scanner agent; Archie Nyanfor, a cargo handler at Express Handling Services; Arthur B. Abdullai, chief executive of Express Handling Services; Geraldine Zeon, an RIA scanner agent; and Mohammed Gbowrah, security director at Roberts International Airport.
Which one of them are now moving from the status of persons of interest to suspect or whether some top officials are linked to the huge illicit drug racket remains to be seen.
BELOW IS A NATIONAL POLICE PRESS RELEASE ISSUED ON WEDNESDAY:
Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman Briefs Liberian Senate on Ongoing US$19 Million Suspected Narcotics Investigation
Monrovia, Liberia – July 1, 2026: Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman today appeared before the Liberian Senate to provide an update on the ongoing investigation into the reported seizure of approximately US$19 million worth of suspected narcotics.
Addressing members of the Senate, Inspector General Coleman disclosed that the investigation has made significant progress.
However, he cautioned that certain details cannot yet be made public, as doing so could compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The Inspector General stated that investigators have advanced beyond identifying persons of interest and are now focusing on potential suspects. He further revealed that criminal charges are expected to be filed in the coming days.
According to Inspector General Coleman, the investigation involves extensive documentary and forensic evidence and is being conducted in close collaboration with both national and international law enforcement partners to ensure a thorough and credible outcome.
Reaffirming the Liberia National Police’s commitment to professionalism and accountability, Inspector General Coleman assured the Senate and the public that the investigation will remain transparent, impartial, and evidence-based.
He pledged that additional updates will be provided as they become appropriate and without prejudicing ongoing legal proceedings.
Issued by
Press and Public Affairs Division
Liberia National Police