Scapegoating Lower Level Actors Will Not Suffice as Liberians Demand Answers to Who Are the Big Fish Trafficking $19.2M Drugs in Liberia?
By: Joseph K. Sallie
The Ministry of Justice has named 10 persons of interest in connection with the US$19.2M narcotics shipment seized at the Robert International Airport, as investigation is still ongoing Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh said evidence gathered to date shows the shipment moves through several operational points at the RIA.
These individuals names called by the Justice Minister represent a very small part and lower level to the entire scheme. They answered how the drugs were stored, scanned and entered on the airport. They do not answer where the drugs came from, who are the real owners, and who authorized the entry, transit and exit.
Liberian are demanding answers to the question of who is responsible for their son’s and daughter’s addiction to harmful substances. Drugs is destroying the future of the country and the safety of the citizens. Drugs destroy lives, erode public health and endanger others by exposing them to many things. Moreover, many of the user are sleeping in Graveyards while the importers are living good lives.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the individuals listed are persons of interest
– Philip Yeoh, Security Manager, GLS Menzies
– Festus S. Musa, Cargo Handler, GLS Menzies
– Ruth Gbapaywhea, RIA Scanner Agent
– Archie Nyanfor, Cargo Handler, Express Handling Services
– Arthur B. Abdullai, Chief Executive Officer, Express Handling Services
– Geraldine Zeon, RIA Scanner Agent
– Mohammed Gbowrah, Security Director, Roberts International Airport
– Paul J. King, Chief Executive Officer, GLS Menzies
– Oscar Browne, Chief of Intelligence, RIA Security
– Emmanuel T. Zeon, Transporter, Express Handling Services,
This means investigators are seeking information from these individuals as the probe continues.
The US$19.2M seizure, announced earlier this month rank among Liberia’s largest drug busts. It has intensified national debate on airport Security, Customs Enforcement, and inter-agency Coordination.
