Montserrado Senators Dillon and Joseph Seek Suspension of RIA Cargo Handling Concession Over US$19 Million Cocaine Probe
By: Melvin Flomo
Monrovia, Liberia — Montserrado County Senators and have formally written to the Liberian Senate seeking a recommendation for the suspension of the cargo-handling concession operated by GLS Menzies at , pending the completion of investigations into a cocaine seizure valued at approximately US$19.2 million.
In their joint communication to Plenary, the lawmakers raised concern over the implications of the June 8, 2026 drug interception, which led to the discovery of about 237.6 kilograms of cocaine stored within the GLS Menzies warehouse at RIA.
The senators told their colleagues that the seriousness of the matter calls for urgent precautionary action to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and to safeguard Liberia’s international reputation.
They further disclosed that the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force has named GLS Menzies General Manager Paul J. King and Security Manager Philip Yeoh as persons of interest in the probe.
The lawmakers stated that when those responsible for securing national cargo channels are themselves under investigation, it becomes necessary—on grounds of prudence—to temporarily halt operations until the matter is fully resolved.
They stressed that the request should not be interpreted as an implication of guilt against the company or its officials. Instead, they maintained that the objective is to ensure transparency, preserve evidence, and uphold public confidence in the investigative process.
According to them, continuing operations under such circumstances could weaken public trust and potentially affect Liberia’s credibility as a reliable partner in aviation and international trade.
They reiterated that the measure is strictly precautionary and not a declaration of wrongdoing, adding that the concession could be reinstated if GLS Menzies and its officials are cleared after the investigation.
The request comes amid growing public attention surrounding the high-profile cocaine seizure, which ranks among the largest drug interceptions in Liberia’s recent history.
The case has sparked widespread calls for accountability and a comprehensive probe into how the shipment entered the cargo facility and the security lapses that may have contributed to the incident.
The Senate Plenary has since referred the communication to its Committees on Security and Judiciary for review and advice.
Following their assessment, the committees will present recommendations to Plenary, which will then decide whether to formally advise the Executive Branch to suspend the concession pending the outcome of the investigation.
