An investigation by Verity News has uncovered that Private Lounge that is housed at Monrovia Mall is owned and operated by the alleged kingpin of the US$317 million drug cartel.
Verity News has identified George Wha Harris, also known as Leroy Harris, as the person allegedly behind Private Lounge at the Monrovia Mall. Harris is also associated with Private Bar Nightclub in Paynesville.
Harris was arrested on August 4, 2026, and subsequently forwarded to court in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged international drug trafficking operation.
According to the charges reported in the case, Harris faces allegations including drug importation, unlawful exportation, drug sales, transportation and trafficking, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, aiding the consummation of a crime, money laundering and economic sabotage.
The alleged offenses are linked to incidents reported in Montserrado and Margibi counties in June 2026.
The development has prompted renewed scrutiny of Harris’ business interests and the people with whom he is believed to have maintained business or personal relationships.
George Wha Harris, popularly known as Leroy Harris, is a Liberian businessman whose name has become prominent in the ongoing drug investigation.
Information reviewed by Verity News indicates that Harris is associated with businesses in Liberia’s entertainment and hospitality sector, including Private Bar Nightclub and Private Lounge at Monrovia Mall.
His arrest has brought increased attention to the ownership, management and operations of businesses linked to him as investigators continue examining the alleged drug network.
As part of its continuing investigation, Verity News has identified a number of people whose names have surfaced in connection with the wider case or related allegations.
They include George Harris, Jonathan A. Momolu, Paul J. King, Peter M. King, Arthur Abdullai, Michael S. Browne, also known as Rahim Bah, Mark Egon Kuiah, Enzo Taylor, Edison Brown, Mohammed O. Gborwrah, Moses Jallah, Emmanuel T. Zeon, Oscar Brown, Emmanuel Kpah, Johnny Bolar Dean, Patrick Doe, Anthony T. Blaye, Wadell W. Kwarbo, Jammel V. Jallah, Caycee Nelson, Christian L. Nyantee, Albenigo Janior, Mohammed Boweh, Philip Urey, Geraldine Zeon, Festus Musah, Archie Nyanford and DCP Fitzgerald Biago, among others.
However, being named in an investigation, mentioned in allegations or appearing in records connected to a case does not establish that a person committed a crime.
Verity News has not established criminal liability against any individual named above beyond charges that have been formally filed by the relevant authorities. Those accused are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence.
The reported connection between Harris and Private Lounge raises questions about the ownership and management structure of the business and whether any of his commercial interests are connected in any way to the alleged trafficking operation.
Verity News is examining available corporate, property and business records, as well as information from sources familiar with the operations of the establishments.
The investigation is also looking into Harris’ reported business relationships, financial activities and links to other individuals whose names have emerged in the drug case.
The findings, if independently verified, could provide a clearer picture of the network being investigated by Liberian authorities.
The investigation comes as Liberia continues to face growing concerns over drug abuse and trafficking, with young people among those most affected.
Families across the country have expressed concern about the increasing availability of illicit drugs and the impact on communities.
The current case has therefore attracted significant public attention, particularly because of the reported scale of the alleged trafficking operation and the number of people whose names have surfaced.
