By: Julius Konton
The Office of Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus, Chairman of the Liberian Senate Committee on National Defense, Intelligence, Security and Veteran Affairs, has categorically rejected media reports and public speculation attempting to associate the Senator with the ongoing investigation into the recent seizure of narcotics valued at approximately US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The clarification follows widespread public discussion surrounding the contractual relationship between SEGAL Incorporated, a private security company co-founded by Senator Cyrus in 2006, and GLS Mengies, the airport ground handling company linked through contractual arrangements at RIA.
The Senator’s Office emphasized that while it fully supports freedom of the press and recognizes the indispensable role of the media in strengthening democracy, journalism must be guided by verified facts, professional ethics and fairness, particularly when reporting on matters carrying significant national security implications.
“The Liberian public deserves facts not assumptions.
National confidence in this investigation depends upon evidence, transparency and respect for the rule of law.”
According to the statement, Senator Cyrus formally resigned as General Manager of SEGAL Incorporated immediately after assuming elected office and has since exercised no operational, administrative or managerial authority over the company’s affairs.
The Office explained that SEGAL has continued to operate independently under its own corporate governance, executive management and administrative structure.
Founded in 2006, SEGAL has become one of Liberia’s established indigenous private security companies, providing integrated security services to government institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, mining companies, commercial businesses, non-governmental organizations, marine facilities and private clients.
Its nearly 20 years of operations, the statement noted, have been conducted under contractual obligations and applicable Liberian laws governing private security operations.
The Senator’s Office stressed that recent commentary has blurred the legal distinction between corporate ownership history and operational responsibility.
It clarified that SEGAL’s assignment at Roberts International Airport is strictly limited to outer perimeter security, including controlling access to designated external areas, patrolling facilities and protecting property against unauthorized intrusion.
The company, it emphasized, does not perform any statutory law enforcement or customs functions.
According to the statement, SEGAL:
Does not inspect cargo;
Does not examine freight containers;
Does not verify shipping documentation;
Does not operate cargo scanners;
Does not conduct customs clearance;
Does not supervise import or export procedures;
Does not detect narcotics;
Does not conduct criminal investigations; and
Does not direct airport intelligence operations.
Those responsibilities, the Office explained, belong exclusively to statutory agencies responsible for customs administration, aviation security, immigration, narcotics enforcement, airport management and criminal investigations.
“As with airports across the world, private security contractors provide defined contractual services that remain legally separate from the investigative and enforcement responsibilities of government agencies,” the statement noted.
The Office further expressed concern that some individuals have attempted to politicize an active criminal investigation by advancing allegations unsupported by evidence.
It warned that such narratives risk diverting national attention from the principal objective ensuring that investigators identify every individual, institution or network connected to the alleged trafficking operation based solely on credible evidence.
The Office said Senator Cyrus would not engage in speculative public exchanges capable of undermining an ongoing criminal investigation.
Instead, he continues to advocate for responsible journalism founded upon verification, fairness and accuracy.
The statement highlighted Senator Cyrus’ professional record spanning more than 25 years in Liberia’s security, intelligence and diplomatic sectors.
Throughout that period, it said, he has consistently championed stronger national security institutions, professional standards, institutional accountability and adherence to constitutional governance.
Those same principles, according to the Office, continue to guide his legislative responsibilities.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Intelligence, Security and Veteran Affairs, Senator Cyrus has repeatedly called for stronger oversight of Liberia’s security architecture while supporting reforms aimed at combating transnational organized crime, including narcotics trafficking.
The Office noted that he also serves alongside President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence as Co-Chair of the Senate Committee of the Whole, which is overseeing legislative scrutiny related to the ongoing investigation.
It pledged that these constitutional responsibilities will continue to be exercised independently, professionally and without political interference.
Reaffirming Senator Cyrus’ position, the Office stressed that the ongoing investigation must proceed wherever credible evidence leads.
It emphasized several guiding principles:
No individual or institution should be considered above the law.
Any person implicated through credible evidence must face due legal process.
Political influence, economic status or institutional affiliation must never obstruct justice.
Accountability must be determined exclusively through facts, evidence and due process.
The statement comes as Liberia intensifies efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking, a growing regional security concern across West Africa.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), West Africa continues to serve as a significant transit corridor for cocaine destined for European and other international markets.
International law enforcement agencies estimate that billions of dollars in illicit narcotics pass through the region annually, fueling organized crime, corruption and security challenges.
Liberia has strengthened cooperation with international partners, including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), INTERPOL, ECOWAS, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, to improve border security, intelligence sharing and anti-narcotics enforcement.
Authorities say dismantling sophisticated trafficking networks requires coordinated investigations involving customs, immigration, aviation authorities, financial investigators and international partners.
The Office assured Liberians, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, civil society organizations and the international community that Senator Cyrus has never interfered, directly or indirectly, with the ongoing investigation.
It reiterated that his only interest is ensuring that the truth is established through lawful investigative procedures and that justice prevails.
“Misinformation will not distract Senator Cyrus from his constitutional responsibilities or from his longstanding commitment to strengthening Liberia’s security institutions,” the statement concluded.
The Office reaffirmed its unwavering support for transparent investigations, institutional accountability and the rule of law, emphasizing that Liberia’s fight against drug trafficking transcends politics and individual interests.
“It is a national responsibility requiring unity, professionalism and confidence in independent institutions.
Senator Cyrus remains convinced that through impartial investigations, credible evidence and due process, justice will ultimately prevail.”
