Capitol Hill, Liberia – The cargo-handling concession at Roberts International Airport (RIA) has come under intense scrutiny after Montserrado County Senators Abraham Darius Dillon and Saah H. Joseph called for its immediate suspension following the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19.2 million.
In a joint communication to the Liberian Senate, the lawmakers urged Plenary to recommend that the Executive Branch temporarily suspend the cargo-handling concession operated by GLS Menzies while investigations into the June 8 drug bust continue.
The request follows the discovery of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine inside a GLS Menzies warehouse at RIA—one of the largest narcotics seizures in Liberia’s recent history.
According to the senators, the magnitude of the case requires urgent action to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, preserve public confidence, and protect Liberia’s reputation within the international aviation and trade community.
The lawmakers further noted that the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force has identified GLS Menzies General Manager Paul J. King and Security Manager Philip Yeoh as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.
They argued that allowing a concessionaire whose top management is under investigation to continue overseeing cargo operations could undermine the credibility of the probe and raise additional concerns about the country’s airport security.
“When the leadership of a concessionaire entrusted with safeguarding our national cargo channels is itself under investigation, prudence demands that its operations be suspended until the matter is resolved,” the senators wrote in their communication.
Dillon and Joseph emphasized that their request should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against GLS Menzies or its officials. Instead, they described the proposed suspension as a temporary precaution intended to preserve evidence, ensure transparency, and strengthen public confidence in the investigative process.
They also maintained that if the company and its officials are ultimately cleared of wrongdoing, the concession should be reinstated without delay.
The senators’ request comes as public concern continues to grow over the high-profile cocaine seizure, with many Liberians demanding accountability and answers about how such a large quantity of narcotics entered the country’s main international airport.
Following the submission of the communication, the Senate Plenary referred the matter to its Committees on Security and Judiciary for review. The committees are expected to present recommendations before the Senate decides whether to formally advise the Executive Branch to suspend the GLS Menzies cargo-handling concession pending the outcome of the investigation.
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