By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, June 23, 2026: The Director General of Liberia’s Witnesses Protection Agency (WPA), Atty. Teklo Maxwell Grigsby II announced Monday that measures will be taken to ensure persons of interest in the US$19.2 million Robert International Airport (RIA) drug seizure cooperate with authorities.
Speaking in Monrovia, Grigsby stated that the WPA will institute involuntary measures for individuals who do not voluntarily cooperate with the ongoing drug investigation.
He said the WPA was instructed by the Ministry of Justice to contact all persons of interest in the case and ensure their cooperation with the investigation, including their return to Liberia if necessary.
Grigsby assured that the WPA will provide protection and security for all persons of interest until their status transitions to suspect or witness, as determined by the investigation.
Grigsby emphasized the agency’s commitment to the investigation, noting that adequate resources have been allocated for witness protection.
He said excuses regarding safety will not be accepted and that involuntary measures could be used against those who do not cooperate.
Grigsby also announced that Paul J. King, General Manager of GLS Menzies, who was previously at large, has been turned over to the Liberia National Police for a cooperation statement, accompanied by his lawyers.
He stated that King was returned to Liberia following coordination between the Ministry of Justice, the WPA, and international partners to ensure his safety and security.
Grigsby said the WPA will provide King with necessary protection, security, and housing until the investigation determines his status as a suspect or witness.
He said King has been cooperating and is currently under security as part of a formal agreement. Grigsby urged other persons of interest to cooperate, warning that other measures could be taken if they do not comply.
On June 21, 2026, the Ministry of Justice announced that King voluntarily presented himself to authorities and is now in the custody of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force.
Mr. King is being held under the supervision of joint security personnel and will assist investigators as the probe into the full chain of criminal responsibility connected to this shipment continues.
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 in question.
The Ministry reaffirms that, consistent with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Liberia, Mr. King will be afforded all protections guaranteed to persons in custody, including the right to due process, access to legal counsel, and protection from intimidation, mistreatment, or any form of extrajudicial action.
His designation as a Person of Interest, and his current cooperation with investigators do not constitute a determination of guilt.
