By: Peter Kollie I Lofa County Correspondent
Zorzor, Lofa County – Thursday,November 27, 2025–The Zorzor Magisterial Court in Lofa County on Tuesday held a contempt hearing involving officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) assigned in Zorzor District, after the officers failed to appear before the court to account for items seized during a recent drug raid.
The case, presided over by Associate Magistrate F. Joseph S. Mamolu, centers on a November 2, 2025 search-and-seizure operation authorized by the court, during which LDEA officers arrested three suspects and confiscated narcotics, cash, and other items. According to the court records, the officers seized two and half plates of compressed marijuana, nine strips of Tramadol, 117 wraps of illicit substances, one short pump single-barrel gun, LRD 56,600, and one TVS motorbike.
A receipt issued by the court’s Bailiff, David T.K. Yanton, confirmed that all seized items were officially turned over to the court following the operation.
Failure to Appear Triggers Contempt Charge
Despite being duly served, the LDEA Commander for Zorzor District, Richard F. Wuokolo, and Investigator Famous K. Fofana failed to appear in court on November 25, 2025, for the continuation of the case involving the suspects. Their absence prompted the court to issue a writ of contempt.
When the officers appeared on Tuesday, they admitted wrongdoing and pleaded with the court for forgiveness; insisting that their failure to appear would “never be repeated.” They also waived their rights to legal counsel and opted to speak for themselves.
Prosecution Does Not Object to Guilty Plea
Representatives of the Ministry of Justice, including City Solicitor Atty. James V. Kelleh, raised no objection to the officers’ decision to plead guilty. Prosecuting attorneys informed the court that since the officers voluntarily admitted fault, the State had no legal opposition to the guilty plea.
Court Orders Return of Missing Motorbike
In its ruling, the court noted that one of the motorbikes seized during the search had not been brought before the court, and its true ownership could not be established. Magistrate Mamolu therefore ordered the LDEA Commander and his officers to return the motorbike to the court by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
He warned that failure to obey the order would result in “immediate arrest and imprisonment until the motorbike is produced.”
Court Issues Strong Warning to LDEA
Magistrate Mamolu used the ruling to caution the LDEA against disregarding court authority and order, especially in cases where the court has issued a search-and-seizure warrant. He emphasized that the warrant represents the full authority of the court and must be respected at all times.
“The LDEA is hereby warned that such action should not be repeated,” the court declared.
The case highlights ongoing coordination challenges between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in rural counties, even as Liberia continues its crackdown on illicit drugs and related crimes.
