By 
Monrovia, Liberia — GLS Group has acknowledged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to suspend Peter Malcolm King from the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia pending a joint security investigation into the seizure of 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport.
In a statement dated June 23, 2026, GLS Group said Mr. King accepted the suspension as a “prudent administrative measure” to allow him to focus on the investigation and avoid any perception of interference.
GLS Menzies’ Role in Cargo Handling
GLS Group stated that GLS Menzies manages cargo handling operations at RIA but does not conduct security screening or clearance of import and export cargo. According to the company, that responsibility rests exclusively with RIA and State security forces, and no cargo enters the GLS Menzies handling system without prior screening and clearance by those authorities.
On the specific cargo linked to the June 8 seizure, GLS Group said:
- GLS Menzies flagged weight discrepancies on the cargo and refused to manifest or load it onto the scheduled June 5, 2026 flight.
- The company required corrections before the cargo could proceed. The cargo did not depart.
- The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency seized the cargo on June 8, 2026. LDEA announced the seizure publicly on June 9, three days after GLS Menzies had stopped it from being loaded.
Statements on Allegations and Cooperation
GLS Group described as false reports circulating on social media that Chairman King threatened to “name names.” The company said Mr. King made no such statements.
GLS Menzies said it has provided all information in its possession, including statements, text messages, and CCTV footage, to state investigators and will continue to do so. The company said it is not engaging in public exchanges while the investigation is active.
GLS Group and GLS Menzies stated they have done nothing wrong, illegal, or outside established operating procedures followed since 2017. The statement said Paul King returned voluntarily from the United States on June 21, 2026 after medical and family visits and has been cooperating with investigators. It added that he had been in contact with the Ministry of Justice and LDEA prior to his arrival.
Company Position
GLS Group said GLS Menzies is fully cooperating with investigators and wants those responsible identified and prosecuted. The company said it welcomes a thorough and impartial investigation and expressed confidence that established facts will vindicate the company and its leadership.
GLS Group thanked the public for patience and urged all parties to allow investigators to complete their work without interference.
President Boakai announced Mr. King’s suspension on June 22, 2026, following a briefing from the Ministry of Justice and the Joint Investigative Task Force. The Executive Mansion said the action was administrative and did not constitute a finding of guilt. The investigation into the RIA cocaine seizure remains ongoing.
