By Precious D. Freeman
Officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Lofa County Detachment, acting on a court-issued writ of search and seizure, conducted a raid at the residence of 31-year-old Prince Smith in Zealakpala Town.
At approximately 10:00 AM on April 18, the operation, led by the County Chief of Operations and the Court Sheriff of the Zorzor Magisterial Court, resulted in the discovery of one kilogram of marijuana concealed inside Smith’s home.
Smith, a Liberian national and an active member of the local Community Watch Forum(CWF), was arrested on the spot and charged with unlicensed possession of a controlled substance, a violation of Liberia’s Drug Law.
Following his arrest, Smith was remanded in custody and the case was swiftly forwarded to the Zorzor Magisterial Court.
During trial proceedings, the accused openly admitted that the illicit substance was found in his possession. In light of his confession and the weight of the evidence, the court sentenced him to one year and two months in prison.
Authorities described the arrest as a significant step in the ongoing fight against drug abuse and trafficking in rural communities.
“No one is above the law—not even those trusted to help safeguard their neighborhoods,” said a spokesperson for the LDEA. “We remain firm in our mission to uphold the rule of law and ensure that communities across Liberia are safe and drug-free.”
The LDEA has reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous enforcement of national drug policies and warned that it will continue to pursue individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, regardless of their social standing or affiliations.
