PERSON OF INTEREST IN US$19.2M COCAINE BUST AT RIA PAUL J. KING VOLUNTARILY APPEARS, MINISTRY OF JUSTICE CONFIRMS
MONROVIA, Montserrado County, – Paul J. King, General Manager of GLS Menzies and a person of interest in the June 8 cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, has voluntarily presented himself to authorities and is now in custody, the Ministry of Justice announced Saturday.
In a statement released in Monrovia Sunday, the Ministry said King is being held under supervision of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force and will assist investigators probing the “full chain of criminal responsibility” connected to the 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at US$19.2 million.
“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,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry reaffirmed that King, consistent with the Liberian Constitution, will be afforded all protections guaranteed to persons in custody, including due process, access to legal counsel, and protection from intimidation or mistreatment.
“His designation as a Person of Interest, and his current cooperation with investigators, do not constitute a determination of guilt,” the statement said.
The government commended King’s voluntary appearance as “a step toward full accountability” and reiterated its commitment to “a thorough, evidence-based, and impartial investigation that follows the facts wherever they lead, regardless of position, influence, or status.”
The Ministry renewed its call on remaining persons of interest who are evading authorities to present themselves to the Joint Task Force without delay.
It said national and international efforts to locate outstanding individuals continue, and time will not diminish the reach of the law.