Patience McGill, a 44-year-old corrections officer, has been arrested for allegedly trafficking cocaine into the Monrovia Central Prison. McGill, who was detained on December 16, 2024, faces charges after she was reportedly caught handing over a package containing cocaine to an inmate.
McGill, assigned to the prison’s daily duties, was tasked with retrieving two inmates from a shop to collect soup from the kitchen. During this routine assignment, she allegedly gave one inmate L$50 to purchase soup and deliver it to another inmate, whom she referred to as her “Peking” (child) within the facility.
Suspicion arose when a colleague observed McGill handing the inmate both the money and a black plastic bag. The colleague promptly reported the incident to superior officer Frostina J. Freeman, who initiated an investigation.
Upon searching the inmate, authorities discovered the L$50 along with a package containing six grams of cocaine. The narcotic substance was later confirmed as cocaine during testing.
In her statement, McGill admitted to giving the inmate the money but denied any involvement with the drugs. However, the evidence led to her arrest and transfer to the Liberia National Police’s Anti-Narcotic Unit for further investigation.
The street value of the drugs is estimated at L$35,600.
McGill has been charged under Chapter 14, Section 14.93 of Liberia’s New Drugs Law for illicit trafficking and is currently remanded at the Monrovia Central Prison, awaiting trial.
The Liberia National Police has pledged to continue its efforts in combatting narcotic trafficking, particularly within correctional facilities, and has vowed to hold all involved accountable for their actions.
