Private Bar CEO Charged in Liberia’s US$317M Drug Probe | News

The Chief Executive Officer of Private Bar Entertainment Center in Paynesville, Leroy Harries, has been formally charged by the Liberia National Police (LNP) in connection with Liberia’s high-profile US$317 million illicit drug investigation, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle what they describe as a major narcotics network.

The development was announced Tuesday by Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, where he disclosed that Harries—whose name has also been referenced by some officials as George Harris—has been charged following investigations into one of the country’s largest cocaine seizures.

According to Minister Piah, Harries faces a series of criminal charges, including unlawful possession of illicit drug substances, unlawful importation of illicit drugs or controlled substances, trafficking, trading, distribution and sale of illicit drugs or controlled substances, economic sabotage, money laundering, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, and criminal solicitation.

“It’s also important to announce that George Harris, some say Leroy Harris, who is the owner of the Private Bar Entertainment Center, has been charged with the following,” Minister Piah said while providing an update on the government’s ongoing investigation.

He added that Harries “has already been charged, as the investigation continues.”

Minister Piah said the charges form part of a broader investigation by the Joint Security into alleged drug trafficking activities linked to the seizure of cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately US$317 million.

He noted that investigators continue to collect evidence and pursue additional leads as they work to identify all individuals and networks allegedly connected to the operation.

According to the minister, authorities have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation progresses.

The government has repeatedly maintained that there will be “no safe haven” for individuals involved in transnational drug trafficking, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are targeting not only drug couriers but also alleged financiers, facilitators, distributors, and other actors believed to be involved in the illicit trade.

The charging of the Private Bar Entertainment Center CEO represents another significant development in what has become one of Liberia’s most extensive anti-narcotics investigations.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of all individuals under investigation but have indicated that additional enforcement actions may follow as more evidence emerges.

As the case moves through the judicial process, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those found responsible are held accountable under the law.

Under Liberian law, the charges against Leroy Harries remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.