Credit: Malvin Jackson
Monrovia, Liberia – Moses Jallah, a Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) officer, has been sent to court on eight modified drug-related charges after being charged with relatively minor violations in relation to the contentious cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA). After being detained on July 29, 2026, Jallah is now accused of criminal facilitation, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, trafficking in illegal narcotics, bribery, impeding law enforcement, obstructing government function, and tampering with a criminal investigation.
The allegations are related to the discovery of 198 processed cocaine plates at RIA on June 7, 2026; authorities estimate the drugs’ street value to be over US$19 million. The investigation revealed that the cocaine was hidden in six cartons that were supposed to be shipped to London and included Lappas and Maggi cubes. According to reports, the shipment weighed 237.6 kg, which was more than the 200 kg stated on the airway bill. Investigators claim that when the cocaine was found, Jallah and LDEA Commander Clarence Clarke were approached by George Harris, also known as Leroy Harris, the proprietor of Private Bar, who allegedly offered US$100,000 to have the cargo released.
According to reports, Jallah admitted to getting a WhatsApp call from Harris, but he told investigators that he warned his commander about the purported offer right away. Investigators report that instead of arresting Harris or reporting the contact right away, Jallah went to Private Bar on the evening of June 7 and met him in private. According to the amended charge sheet, Harris further acknowledged sending Jallah US$5,000 in order to help with an alleged attempt to swap or exchange the cocaine that had been seized.
In his statement, Jallah denied helping to get the drugs out. He insisted that he was following his commander’s orders, took part in the examination of the dubious consignment, and informed his superiors of the information he had gotten from Harris. However, investigators came to the conclusion that Jallah had adequate prior knowledge of Harris’ alleged involvement in drug-related activities, including details regarding another consignment purportedly headed for Liberia via the Freeport of Monrovia and purportedly disguised as onions and sweets.
As a result, the government has extended the accusations against Jallah to include major violations of the 2023 New Drugs Law and Liberia’s Penal Law. During the probe, Cllr. Jimmy Saah Bombo represented Jallah.
The allegations will now be put to the test in a court of competent jurisdiction. Jallah is still presumed innocent unless a court finds him guilty.
