Monrovia, Liberia – Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr. of Bomi County and Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu Country have called for an independent investigation into the ongoing probe of the approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine seized at Roberts International Airport (RIA), arguing that several unanswered questions surrounding the case have raised concerns about the effectiveness of Liberia’s security institutions.
In a joint statement, the western belt lawmakers described the massive cocaine seizure as a serious threat to Liberia’s national security, warning that the incident exposes vulnerabilities in the country’s border security, rule of law, and public safety.
The two senators commended the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Liberia National Police (LNP), and other Joint Security agencies for intercepting the shipment before it left the country.
They also praised Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman and the Joint Security Team for filing charges against five individuals allegedly linked to the reported US$19.2 million cocaine trafficking operation.
The individuals charged include Michael U.S. Browne, also known as Rahim or Raheem Bah, Paul J. King, Oscar Browne, Emmanuel Kpah, and Usman Ali.
While acknowledging those efforts, Senators Snowe and Konneh questioned several aspects of the investigation, particularly how some suspects allegedly managed to leave Liberia despite authorities indicating they had identified persons of interest early in the investigation.
According to the lawmakers, official information suggested that Oscar Browne and Paul J. King were already outside Liberia when the investigation began and were subsequently declared suspects. They further noted that Michael U.S. Browne and Emmanuel Kpah were reportedly in Liberia during the early stages of the investigation, even as authorities maintained that publicly naming persons of interest could compromise ongoing operations.
“If this was accurate, it raises an obvious question: how were these suspects able to evade arrest?” the senators asked.
They called on authorities to explain whether the individuals had been placed under surveillance, whether operational failures allowed them to leave the country, or whether other circumstances contributed to their departure.
The senators also questioned reports indicating that no suspect was physically apprehended by security agencies before leaving Liberia despite the magnitude of the case.
According to their statement, the only individual currently before the court reportedly surrendered voluntarily after returning to Liberia on a commercial flight.
“If these are indeed the facts, they raise serious questions about the effectiveness of our security institutions and our commitment to combating transnational organized crime,” the statement said.
Snowe and Konneh further argued that the investigation should extend beyond those accused of attempting to export the cocaine and focus on dismantling the entire criminal network allegedly responsible for the operation.
They posed several questions they believe investigators must answer, including:
- Who financed the importation of the cocaine?
- How did the drugs enter Liberia?
- Where were they stored, concealed, or repackaged before reaching Roberts International Airport?
- Who coordinated the logistics of the operation?
- Were financial institutions used to launder proceeds from the alleged trafficking?
- Who were the local and international collaborators?
- Were any government officials or security personnel involved?
- How did investigators determine that Emmanuel Zeon, identified as the transporter, should be exonerated?
- How did investigators clear Ruth Gbapaywhea, an airport screener who allegedly allowed the suspicious package to pass through security screening?
The lawmakers maintained that Liberians deserve full transparency regarding the investigation, emphasizing that drug trafficking threatens the country’s youth, institutions, and national security.
They called for an independent investigation supported by Liberia’s international partners to ensure that everyone involved—from financiers and importers to traffickers, facilitators, and any public officials who may have aided the operation—is identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Liberian people deserve nothing less than the full truth, complete accountability, and justice,” the senators declared, concluding their statement with a demand for answers.
The statement reflects the views and concerns expressed by Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr. and Amara M. Konneh. Authorities have not publicly responded to the specific questions and allegations raised in the statement.
