The 14th Judicial Circuit Court in River Cess has sentenced Trokon Weeks, a man in his 20s, to seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. The verdict was delivered on Monday, March 24, at the Judicial Complex in Cestos.
Resident Judge D. Onesimus Banwon, in his ruling, emphasized the importance of safeguarding society from drug-related offenses, despite the court’s duty to administer justice with compassion. “While the court has a responsibility to exercise mercy, protecting the public remains paramount,” Judge Banwon stated.
Weeks was apprehended on November 16, 2024, with 15 plastic bags of heroin and one bag of Kush, valued at approximately $1,100 USD. Last month, the prosecution and defense reached a plea agreement, which would have reduced Weeks’ sentence to five years instead of the mandatory minimum of 10 years. However, Judge Banwon rejected the agreement, choosing to impose a harsher sentence as a deterrent.
Weeks’ defense attorneys, Public Defenders Cllr. Abraham B. Nyounway and Cllr. James B. Kaba expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence and announced plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court of Liberia.
 By Methuselah Gaye
