VOINJAMA, Lofa County — The opening of the May Term of Court in Lofa County on Monday shifted beyond routine judicial proceedings as Resident Circuit Judge Nancy Finda Sammy delivered a forceful warning about what she described as Liberia’s growing drug emergency.
Addressing a crowded courtroom at the 10th Judicial Circuit Court in Voinjama City, Judge Sammy portrayed narcotics abuse and trafficking as one of the country’s most serious modern-day threats, particularly to young people. Framing the issue as a battle for Liberia’s future, the Resident Judge called for stronger national coordination to confront the rapid spread of illegal drugs across communities.
Under the theme, “Negative Effects the Drug Trade Has on Our Youthful Population, and the LDEA’s Role in Combating It and Promoting Justice,” Judge Sammy said Liberia may have moved beyond years of armed conflict, but the nation now faces a different kind of struggle — one fueled by narcotics addiction and illegal trafficking.
“We are no longer fighting a war with guns,” Judge Sammy declared. “Today, the country faces a dangerous battle against drugs that continue to destroy the lives, minds, and future of our young people.”
Her remarks drew strong attention from members of the judiciary, lawyers, security personnel, local government officials, students, traditional leaders, and residents who gathered for the official commencement of the May Term.
Judge Sammy used the occasion to challenge the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and other security institutions to intensify operations against individuals involved in the sale and distribution of narcotics. She warned that the increasing level of substance abuse among youth threatens national security, social stability, and long-term development.
The Resident Judge further stressed that the justice system must remain proactive in ensuring accountability for those involved in the illegal drug trade. According to her, courts and law enforcement agencies have a shared responsibility to protect communities and preserve the future of Liberia’s younger generation.
“The law must be used to protect our communities and ensure that those destroying the future of young people are held accountable,” she emphasized.
Following her address, several officials — including the Prosecuting Attorney, members of the defense bar, the President of the Lofa County Bar Association, and the County Superintendent — pledged support for stronger anti-drug enforcement efforts.
The officials described the fight against narcotics as a collective responsibility requiring cooperation among courts, security agencies, local authorities, community leaders, and ordinary citizens. They also cautioned that failure to address the growing rate of drug abuse could create serious social and economic consequences in the future.
The May Term of Court is expected to hear multiple criminal and civil matters from across Lofa County, but Judge Sammy’s anti-drug message quickly emerged as the defining issue of the opening ceremony.
Many residents attending the event welcomed the judiciary’s renewed focus on narcotics-related offenses, expressing hope that tougher enforcement and stronger collaboration among institutions will help curb the growing drug problem and restore confidence in Liberia’s justice system.
