-For Heroin Possession in River Gee County
The 15th Judicial Circuit Court in River Gee County has sentenced 35-year-old Nigerian national KC Hope Ezechuku to seven years in prison for the possession of over 36 grams of heroin, with an estimated street value of $4,500 USD.
The trial, which took place on February 24, 2025, was presided over by Judge Cllr. Wesseh Alphonsus Wesseh and drew significant attention from both local residents and law enforcement agencies. Ezechuku was arrested on November 29, 2024, by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) during a targeted operation in a popular gold mining camp in Tarpoline Village, Tienpo Statutory District, River Gee County. The operation was part of a broader effort to combat drug-related offenses in the region.
During the court proceedings, Ezechuku pleaded guilty to charges of possessing heroin and kush, with the combined substances valued at $4,500 USD. His voluntary confession played a pivotal role in the case, leading Judge Wesseh to impose a seven-year prison sentence following a presentence hearing. Ezechuku will serve his term at the National Palace of Corrections in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.
The ruling has been met with widespread approval from River Gee County residents, who have lauded the court for its decisive and timely action. Many locals believe the sentence will serve as a strong deterrent to others involved in drug trafficking, underscoring the county’s commitment to tackling the escalating issue of drug abuse and illicit trade in Liberia.
Community leaders and citizens alike have emphasized the critical role of the justice system in addressing drug-related crimes, noting that such measures are essential for safeguarding the safety and well-being of communities across the nation.
