FISH TOWN, River Gee County –His Honor D. Onesimus Banwon of the 15th Judicial Circuit Court has sentenced a woman to five years of imprisonment for the illegal possession and distribution of controlled substances.
By Francis G. Boayue
The defendant, identified as God There Johnson of Bartiken, was convicted on multiple charges, including the unlicensed possession, sale, trading, and transportation of controlled drugs.
The legal saga began on January 15 when officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) intercepted Johnson at the Combat Gate Junction in River Gee County.
During the operation, LDEA agents discovered a massive consignment of Tramadol, a synthetic opioid and derivative of codeine and morphine.
The seized narcotics carried an estimated street value of LD$1,120,000.00 (one million one hundred twenty thousand Liberian Dollars).
When the case was called on Tuesday, May 19, the indictment was read to the defendant in a language she clearly understood. Rather than pursuing a lengthy trial, Johnson opted for a guilty plea, admitting to the crimes without coercion or intimidation.
Judge Banwon noted in his final ruling that the court took extra precautions to ensure the plea was made intelligently and voluntarily.
“A guilty plea constitutes a full admission of all material facts alleged in the indictment and dispenses with the necessity for a prolonged trial,” the Judge stated.
In his final ruling, Judge Banwon delivered a strict warning regarding the drug epidemic currently facing the nation. He emphasized that narcotic substances pose a direct threat to the peace, security, and moral fabric of Liberia, with the youth being the most vulnerable.
“The unlawful possession and trafficking of such substances remain offenses which the laws of Liberia condemn in the strongest terms,” the ruling read.
While the court acknowledged the gravity of the offense, it also considered mitigating circumstances, including Johnson’s expression of remorse and the judicial time saved by her confession.
The Final Verdict: “Conviction: Unlicensed Possession and Transportation of Controlled Substances. Sentence: Five (5) years at the Fish Town Central Prison. Credit for Time Served: The sentence includes her pre-trial detention period of four months.”
Judge Banwon ordered the Clerk of Court to issue the commitment papers immediately, signaling the commencement of Johnson’s five-year term behind bars.
