GLS Cargo Concession Under Probe

Capitol Hill, Monrovia, June 24, 2026 – The cargo-handling concession operated by GLS Menzies at Roberts International Airport (RIA) has come under heightened scrutiny following its reported connection to the ongoing investigation into the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at US$19.2 million.

Two Montserrado County senators have petitioned the Liberian Senate to advise the Executive Branch to suspend the company’s cargo-handling concession pending the outcome of the investigation.

In a joint communication presented during Tuesday’s regular session, Senators Saah Joseph and Abraham Darius Dillon argued that the suspension has become necessary after the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force identified GLS Menzies General Manager Paul J. King and Security Manager Philip Yeoh as persons of interest in the ongoing probe.

“We write jointly to recommend that the Senate formally advise the Executive to suspend, pending investigation, the cargo-handling concession held by GLS Menzies at Roberts International Airport,” the senators stated.

They argued that allowing the company to continue operations while its senior management remains under investigation could undermine public confidence and compromise the integrity of the investigative process.

“When the leadership of a concessionaire entrusted with safeguarding our national cargo channels is itself under investigation, prudence demands that its operations be suspended until the matter is resolved to preserve the integrity of the evidence, protect Liberia’s standing as an aviation and trade partner, and assure the public that no entity stands above scrutiny,” the communication read.

The lawmakers emphasized that the proposed suspension is strictly a precautionary administrative measure and should not be interpreted as a presumption of guilt. They noted that the concession could be reinstated if GLS Menzies and its officials are cleared by investigators.

Following the reading of the communication, Senate Plenary voted to refer the matter to its Committees on Judiciary and Security for review and recommendations.

The senators’ request comes a day after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai suspended Peter Malcolm King, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), over his alleged connection to the cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport.

According to an Executive Mansion statement, King’s suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of the Joint National Security Investigation.

The Mansion said the President’s decision followed a briefing by the Ministry of Justice and the Joint Investigative Task Force, which identified entities associated with Mr. King among individuals and institutions requiring further investigative scrutiny.

“The suspension is an administrative measure intended to protect the integrity of the investigation, preserve public confidence in public institutions, and avoid any appearance of interference with the investigative process,” the Executive Mansion stated.

It emphasized that the action does not constitute a finding of guilt or prejudge the outcome of the investigation, but is intended solely to ensure that the probe proceeds independently, transparently, and without undue influence.

In their communication, Senators Joseph and Dillon also recalled that on June 8, 2026, security authorities intercepted approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at US$19.2 million, inside the GLS Menzies warehouse at Roberts International Airport, a development they said warrants the temporary suspension of the company’s concession while investigations continue.