In Margibi County
PHOTO: Convict Abel Okeke
By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
MARGIBI COUNTY, Liberia – The 13th Judicial Circuit Court here has convicted a man in his early 40s for his involvement in a major illicit drug trafficking case valued at over US$388,890.
The defendant, Abel Okeke was found guilty on charges of unlawful importation of controlled drugs, illicit trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and criminal facilitation following a court hearing.
in Liberia’s new drugs law, which came to effect in 2023, there are severe penalties spelled out to make it more difficult for individuals charged with drug-related crimes to be released on bail.
According to the law, persons found guilty have committed ‘a felony of the first degree and, if used otherwise, shalt be guilty of a second-degree felony and shall face jail sentence between l0 to 20 years or as prescribed in Section 50.5 and 50.5 of the Penal Law of Liberia.’
Case Details
According to evidence presented by the Liberian Drugs Agency (LDA), the investigation began when an informant reported that Okeke had contacted him to receive a shipment of goods.
During the investigation, Okeke admitted to authorities that an Ethiopian national arrived in the country on February 1, 2025, carrying 8.642 kilograms of heroin.
Prosecution’s Argument
The prosecution successfully argued that Okeke’s conduct demonstrated clear involvement in the drug network. Key factors leading to the conviction included a prolonged pattern of suspicious telephone communications and Okeke’s failure to respond to official summons for over four months, which the court interpreted as an attempt to evade justice.
Verdict
Presiding Judge Victoria Worlubah Duncan delivered the guilty verdict, emphasizing the severity of offenses that threaten public health and safety. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday January,23, 2026 when Okeke could face a substantial prison term.
Context
This conviction marks a significant achievement for the Liberian judicial and drug enforcement authorities in their ongoing battle against international drug trafficking networks operating within the region.
The 13th Judicial Circuit Court has reaffirmed its commitment to applying the full force of the law against those involved in the illicit drug trade.