Judge Nancy Sammy Declares “War on Drugs” as Lofa Court Opens May Term
By Daniel D. Sheriff
VOINJAMA, Lofa County — Resident Circuit Judge Nancy Finda Sammy has sounded a strong alarm over the growing drug crisis in Liberia, describing narcotics abuse and trafficking as a “dangerous war” threatening the country’s youthful population and future stability.
Speaking Monday during the official opening of the May Term of the 10th Judicial Circuit Court in Voinjama City, Judge Sammy warned that although Liberia is no longer engulfed in armed conflict, the nation now faces what she termed “a war of poison” fueled by the widespread use and distribution of narcotic substances among young people.
Addressing a packed courtroom 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 called for urgent national action against the increasing spread of drugs across Liberia.
“We are not fighting with guns today,” Judge Sammy declared, “but Liberia is engaged in a dangerous war a war against drugs that continue to destroy the lives and future of our young people.”
The opening ceremony attracted judges, lawyers, security officers, government officials, students, traditional leaders, and ordinary citizens, all gathered to witness the commencement of the May Term of Court in Lofa County.
In a firm message directed at law enforcement institutions, Judge Sammy urged the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and other joint security agencies to intensify efforts in cracking down on drug traffickers and users.
She stressed that the alarming rise in narcotics abuse among Liberian youth poses a direct threat to national peace, security, and development.
The Resident Judge further challenged law enforcement officers to remain steadfast in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting individuals engaged in the illegal drug trade, emphasizing that the judiciary must lead efforts to protect communities from the devastating impact of narcotics.
“The justice system has a responsibility to ensure that those destroying the future of our youth are made to face the full weight of the law,” she asserted.
Following Judge Sammy’s charge, several officials, including the Prosecuting Attorney, members of the defense bar, the President of the Lofa County Bar Association, and the Lofa County Superintendent, echoed support for the anti-drug campaign and pledged stronger collaboration in addressing the crisis.
The officials described the fight against narcotics as a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of courts, security agencies, local authorities, community leaders, and citizens alike.
They warned that the growing wave of drug abuse among young people requires urgent intervention to prevent long-term social instability.
The May Term of Court is expected to hear several criminal and civil cases affecting residents across Lofa County, while authorities hope the judiciary’s renewed focus on the drug crisis will strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
Many citizens attending the opening ceremony praised Judge Sammy’s bold stance, noting that stronger enforcement against narcotics could help secure a safer and more productive future for Liberia’s younger generation.
