By Ben TC Brooks
A 39-year-old woman has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the 15th Judicial Circuit Court in River Gee County after pleading guilty to charges related to the illegal possession and trafficking of narcotic substances.
The convicted woman, God There Johnson of Bartiken, received the sentence during the May Term A.D. 2026 proceedings before Resident Judge His Honor D. Onesimus Banwon.
Johnson was arrested on January 15, 2026, by officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) at Combat Gate Junction in River Gee County. According to court records, she was found in possession of a large quantity of Tramadol, a synthetic opioid commonly linked to substance abuse and addiction.
Authorities estimated the street value of the drugs at approximately LD$1.12 million.
The Republic of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, prosecuted Johnson under the Controlled Drug and Substance Act of 2023 for the unlawful possession, sale, transportation, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances.
Court documents revealed that during preliminary investigations conducted by the LDEA, Johnson voluntarily admitted to committing the offense before the matter was forwarded to court.
During a hearing on May 19, 2026, the indictment was read and interpreted to the defendant in a language she understood, after which she entered a guilty plea voluntarily and without coercion.
Judge Banwon said the court ensured that the plea was made knowingly and intelligently before accepting it.
In its ruling, the court highlighted the growing threat narcotic drugs pose to Liberia’s peace, security, public health, and moral stability, especially among young people.
Despite the seriousness of the offense, the court considered Johnson’s remorse, acceptance of responsibility, and willingness to save the court’s time through her guilty plea.
Johnson was ordered committed to the Fish Town Central Prison, with the court crediting her for four months already spent in pretrial detention.
