Monrovia – The Liberia Airport Authority has placed seven employees on administrative leave and indefinitely suspended another staff member as investigations continue into the US$19 million drug trafficking case that has attracted national attention.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
In a statement issued by the Authority, the LAA said the actions were taken as precautionary administrative measures aimed at protecting the integrity of airport operations and supporting ongoing investigations being conducted by the Joint Security Task Force and other state agencies.
According to the statement, several employees have been invited by security agencies to assist with the investigation into the alleged drug trafficking operation.
Those placed on immediate administrative leave include Nathan E. Watson, Henry Y. King, Geraldine C. Zeon, Ruth G. Gbapawea, Benjamin Rivercess, Mohammed Gbowrah, and Roland G. Taylor.
The Authority also announced that Oscar J. Brown has been placed on indefinite suspension pending the conclusion of the investigations and related administrative proceedings.
The LAA emphasized that the measures are administrative and precautionary and should not be interpreted as findings of misconduct or criminal liability.
“These measures are administrative and precautionary in nature and shall not be construed as disciplinary findings or determinations of liability,” the Authority stated.
The airport management stressed that all affected employees remain entitled to the full protection of due process under Liberian law, including the presumption of innocence, the right to legal representation, and the opportunity to challenge any administrative decisions.
The Authority said the actions were taken in line with its internal governance policies, statutory responsibilities, and applicable labor laws.
The LAA reiterated its commitment to maintaining the safety, security, and integrity of Liberia’s aviation sector while ensuring fairness and adherence to legal procedures throughout the investigative process.
The statement further underscored the institution’s “zero-tolerance policy” toward conduct that could compromise airport security and operations.
At the same time, management said it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and cooperation with national security agencies investigating the alleged trafficking operation.
The Authority urged all employees to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and institutional integrity while investigations remain ongoing.
The reported US$19 million drug trafficking case has become one of Liberia’s most high-profile criminal investigations in recent years, drawing heightened public scrutiny and prompting actions by several state institutions as authorities seek to determine the full extent of the alleged operation.
The LAA said additional information would be released as appropriate, consistent with the law and the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
