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Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has suspended National Oil Company of Liberia Board member Peter Malcolm King with immediate effect as investigators widen the probe into Liberia’s largest drug seizure at Roberts International Airport under the Boakai’s administration.
The suspension , announced late Monday night by the Executive Mansion, is administrative and “does not constitute a finding of guilt,” Presidential Press Secretary Kula B.N. Fofana said. King will remain off the NOCAL board pending the outcome of a Joint National Security Investigation into 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at about $19.2 million.
The Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency intercepted the cocaine at RIA on May 22, 2026 marking the biggest narcotics bust in the Boakai’s administration. The situation triggered a multi-agency probe involving the Ministry of Justice and the Joint Investigative Task Force.
President Boakai initially addressing the nation on the drugs burst pledged commitment to pursuing the investigation to a logical conclusion.
Weeks following the seizure, the Ministry of Justice began disclosing names of individuals and entities linked to the case as part of what officials called a transparency push. That disclosure led investigators to flag institutions and persons “requiring further investigative scrutiny,” according to the Executive Mansion briefing cited in the suspension order. Mr. King’s name surfaced among those flagged.
Authorities have not released full details of King’s alleged connection, and no charges have been filed against him.
Fofana said President Boakai acted “to protect the integrity of the investigation, preserve public confidence in public institutions, and avoid any appearance of interference.”
“The suspension is intended solely to ensure that the investigative process proceeds independently, transparently, and without undue influence,” the statement noted.
The President urged Liberians and international partners to “remain calm, allow investigators to perform their duties without interference, and refrain from speculation that could undermine the integrity of the ongoing proceedings.”
Boakai reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking and strengthening institutions “through accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.” He assured that all matters related to the investigation “will be pursued thoroughly and impartially in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Liberia.”
The Joint National Security Investigation continues. Officials led by the justice ministry say more details will be released as the probe progresses. King remains presumed innocent until proven otherwise under Liberian law.
