Judge Kontoe calls for new court to fast-track drug cases

Published: August 19, 2025

GBARNGA, Bong County — Resident Judge Boimah Kontoe of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court has called for the creation of a special criminal court in Bong County to speed up the prosecution of narcotics-related cases amid Liberia’s worsening drug crisis.

Kontoe said establishing a Criminal Assize “C” would help ease the strain on the already overwhelmed Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, which he noted is “overwhelmed with dockets of cases and there is slow prosecution.” He stressed that the judiciary must play a more direct role in the fight against drugs to reinforce law enforcement efforts.

“We are recommending to the requisite authority the establishment of a Criminal Assize ‘C’ of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court to support the fight against drug abuse,” he said in his charge at the opening of the August 2025 Term of Court.

The judge argued that a dedicated narcotics court would allow for swifter trials, tougher crackdowns on dealers and users, and stronger collaboration with the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).

Context of Liberia’s Drug Crisis

Liberia has seen a surge in illicit drug use, sparking nationwide concern. In July, women in Monrovia staged street protests to petition the government to curb the proliferation of narcotics, which have been linked to several deaths among young people.

In Bong County, three addicts from the notorious Kampala ghetto recently died from drug abuse, while others suffer severe health complications, including swollen limbs and infected sores.

The LDEA has also publicly criticized some courts for releasing alleged drug traffickers, a move the agency says undermines the broader fight against narcotics.

Civil Society Support

Civil society groups in Bong County echoed Kontoe’s recommendation, arguing that the establishment of Criminal Assize “C” would be crucial to strengthening prosecutions and deterring traffickers. They said imprisonment of drug dealers is essential to making Liberia “drug-free” and urged the government not to overlook the proposal.

Kontoe delivered his remarks under the theme “Access to Justice: A Prime Factor in Upholding the Rule of Law.” He expressed optimism that a new court would deliver justice more efficiently and help restore public trust in Liberia’s justice system.