03/09/2025
Prince Howard Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Drug Possession at Zorzor Magistrate Court
Zorzor, Liberia-In a case that underscores the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Liberia, 24 year old Prince Howard was sentenced to four years in prison by the Zorzor Magisterial Court.
The court's decision came after Howard’s arrest at the Yeala port of entry on August 25, 2025, and was sent to court on August 28, 2025.
The incident occurred when an officer of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Zorzor Detachment, Agent Miller M. Smith, intercepted Howard at the border while he was en route to Guinea.
During the routine check at approximately 9:40 a.m., the officer confiscated 32 parcels of marijuana—a discovery that added to the mounting concerns about drug proliferation in the Country.
The street value of the 32 parcels according to the local drugs enforcement Agency officers was placed at $1,600.00LRD (One thousand six hundred Liberian dollars); i.e one parcel is value at $50.00LRD.
Howard, who appeared in court on Thursday, pleaded guilty to the charge of unlicensed possession of controlled drugs, claiming the substance belonged to him and that he intended to use it for personal consumption.
In his testimony, he revealed that he works at the Guinean-Liberian border as a cook and cleaner for Guinean security forces. “I ask for mercy and forgiveness,” Howard said during his brief court appearance.
However, Senior Associate Magistrate F Joseph S Momolu assigned at the Zorzor magisterial court was clear in his ruling. Citing the relevant sections of the Liberian drugs law, he explained that because the seized substances are listed under Schedule 2.2 and 3.5, possession with intent for trafficking constitutes a second-degree felony.
The magistrate emphasized that if the drugs are intended for personal use, the offense is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying a sentence ranging from three to five years or more, depending on the circumstances.
The case highlights the heightened vigilance of the Liberian public and authorities in combating drug trafficking.
Citizens have expressed increasing concern over the rising presence of narcotics at border points and in communities, calling for more decisive action from law enforcement agencies.
Yet, the effectiveness of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) remains a subject of debate.
Since President Joseph Nyumah Boakai took office, critics argue that leadership crises have hampered the agency’s capacity to combat drug-related crimes effectively.
The agency’s leadership has faced multiple challenges, including frequent administrative reshuffles, limited resources, and allegations of political interference, which some believe have undermined its operational effectiveness.
Local residents and stakeholders have voiced concern that without strong, consistent leadership, efforts to curb drug trafficking might remain half-hearted.
“We need a dedicated and stable force that can stand firm against these criminals,” said one caller on Radio Life Good Morning Zorlayea in Zorzor. “The fight against drugs is crucial for our future, but we need the government to back the agency fully.”
Recently, authorities in Lofa including citizens mostly youths have launched community mobilization campaigns against the public menace destroying the youthful population.
On August 22,2025, the Ministry of Youth and Sport in Collaboration with the Voinjama City Cooperation and other youths based organizations took to the streets of Voinjama to caution young people to rise above the pressures of drugs and substance abuse .
Following the August 22 public campaign in Lofa’s capital, On Monday September 1,2025, a group caption “Salayea District Says No To Illicit Drugs Organization” headed by two emerging young leaders in Numine Melvin Siafa and David Kollie convened a one day stakeholders meeting in Salayea city to discuss a multi-sectorial approach that will involve Community leaders, men, women, youths and joint security to combat the sale and consumption of illegal drugs and substances in the District.
Zorzor District commissioner Paul R. Kalama also hosted a stakeholder meeting on Tuesday September 2,2025 to discuss ways forward in joining the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency local office in Zorzor efforts to confront drugs dealer and trafficking
As Liberia continues to grapple with this pressing issue, the case of Prince Howard serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the need for enhanced leadership and resources within the agency tasked with protecting the nation’s health and security.
By: T. Prince Mulbah
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