By: Peter Kollie |Lofa County Correspondent
Zorzor, Lofa County –Wednesday, Sept. 3,2025- The Zorzor Magisterial Court has sentenced 24-year-old Prince Howard to four years in prison for unlicensed possession of controlled drugs, underscoring Liberia’s intensifying battle against narcotics use and abuse.
Howard was arrested on August 25, 2025, at the Yeala Port of Entry by Agent Miller M. Smith of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Zorzor Detachment. He was caught with 32 parcels of marijuana valued at about L$1,600 while attempting to cross into Guinea. He was formally sent to court three days later.
Appearing before Senior Associate Magistrate F. Joseph S. Momolu, Howard admitted the drugs belonged to him, claiming they were for personal use. He pleaded for mercy, saying he works as a cook and cleaner for Guinean security personnel.
But Magistrate Momolu cited provisions of Liberia’s drug law, noting that the substances seized fall under Schedule 2.2 and 3.5, making possession a serious offense. He stressed that whether for trafficking or personal use, the law prescribes a sentence of three to five years or more depending on the circumstances.
The sentencing comes amid growing public concern over the spread of narcotics in border towns and communities across Lofa County. Citizens have repeatedly called for stronger government action and more resources for the LDEA.
Since President Joseph Nyumah Boakai took office, the LDEA has struggled with frequent leadership changes, limited funding, and allegations of political interference, sparking debate about its effectiveness in tackling the drug crisis.
Meanwhile, local authorities and youth groups in Lofa are stepping up community campaigns against drug use and trafficking. On August 22, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in partnership with the Voinjama City Corporation and youth organizations, staged an anti-drug march in Voinjama.
On September 1, the group Salayea District Says No to Illicit Drugs, led by Numine Melvin Siafa and David Kollie, hosted a one-day stakeholders’ dialogue in Salayea City, bringing together community leaders, security, and youth representatives to map out a multi-sector strategy against substance abuse.
The following day, Zorzor District Commissioner Paul R. Kalama convened a similar meeting with stakeholders to back the efforts of the LDEA’s local office in confronting drug dealers and traffickers.
As Liberia continues to grapple with rising drug abuse, the case of Prince Howard stands as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger enforcement, consistent leadership, and broader community action to protect the country’s youth and security.
