-LAA Suspends 1, Sends 7 ON LEAVE
Seven employees have been sent on administrative leave and one other suspended for time indefinite pending an outcome of ongoing investigations into circumstances surrounding cocaine worth US$19 million recently discovered at the Roberts International Airport, a statement from the Liberia Airport Authority, LAA, has said.
The statement said the move is part of administrative actions as inquiries into the matter by the joint security continue.
The development comes as national security agencies step up efforts to find out how approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine allegedly passed through Roberts International Airport (RIA), casting doubts about security controls, internal oversight, and possible insider involvement at the country’s principal international gateway.
The Airport authorities said the measures are meant to preserve the integrity of airport operations and ensure full cooperation with investigators as authorities work to unravel one of the most significant cocaine trafficking cases in Liberia’s recent history.
“The Authority confirms that certain employees have been formally invited by the relevant security agencies to assist in the ongoing investigation,” the LAA said in its statement. “In accordance with its statutory mandate, internal governance framework, and applicable labor laws of the Republic of Liberia, the Authority has instituted precautionary administrative actions to ensure the integrity of its operations and to facilitate full cooperation with the investigative process.”
The employees placed on administrative leave with immediate effect are Nathan E. Watson, Henry Y. King, Mrs. Geraldine C. Zeon, Mrs. Ruth G. Gbapawea, Benjamin Rivercess, Mohammed Gbowrah, and Roland G. Taylor.
The Authority also announced that Mr. Oscar J. Brown has been placed on indefinite suspension pending the conclusion of all relevant proceedings.
While the actions have heightened public attention surrounding the case, the LAA emphasized that the measures should not be interpreted as findings of wrongdoing.
“These measures are administrative and precautionary in nature and shall not be construed as disciplinary findings or determinations of liability,” the Authority stated.
The decision represents one of the most significant administrative responses by a public institution since the investigation into the multi-million-dollar cocaine shipment became public. The case has triggered widespread concern over the effectiveness of security systems at Roberts International Airport and whether individuals within critical institutions may have facilitated the attempted export of narcotics.
The controversy intensified after Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh publicly identified ten individuals allegedly connected to the attempted exportation of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine through Roberts International Airport, while revealing that several key suspects remain at large.
The revelation fueled growing public concern about possible vulnerabilities within airport security operations and strengthened calls for a comprehensive investigation capable of identifying not only those directly involved but also any broader network of facilitators and financiers behind the operation.
Amid mounting scrutiny, the LAA sought to reassure the public that the rights of all affected employees would be protected throughout the investigative and administrative p“The Authority expressly affirms that all affected individuals are entitled to, and will continue to enjoy, the full protection of due process under Liberian law, including but not limited to the presumption of innocence, the right to be heard, access to legal or other representation, and the right to appeal any administrative decisions taken,” the statement noted.
The Authority further reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Liberia’s aviation sector, emphasizing that it maintains a strict “zero-tolerance policy toward conduct that undermines the safety, security, and integrity of Liberia’s civil aviation sector.”
At the same time, the LAA stressed that fairness and lawful procedures would remain central to its response, noting that it remains committed to “upholding principles of fairness, non-prejudgment, and lawful procedure in all administrative and investigative matters.” The Authority also pledged continued cooperation with national security institutions and all authorized investigative bodies, while reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks governing public institutions.
