The increasing wave of illicit drug use among Liberia’s youthful population is drawing serious concern from citizens and security officials alike, with former Assistant Commissioner of the Liberia National Police (LNP) Monroe Dennis describing it as a national crisis with long-term social consequences.
According to data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Liberia has one of the youngest populations globally, with an estimated 63% of its people under the age of 25.
Of this number, 32.8% fall between the ages of 10 and 24, while roughly 75% are under 35. These statistics reflect a vibrant but vulnerable demographic.
Dennis, in a public commentary, explained that while the word “drug” can have positive implications when used in the context of pharmaceuticals, the term has taken on a deeply negative meaning in Liberia due to its association with illicit substances.
“A drug is any substance that alters the human system and can have either a positive or negative effect,” Dennis noted. “Unfortunately, in our society, it has become synonymous with destruction-especially among the youth.”
A Growing Social Crisis
The effects of illicit drug use in Liberia are heartbreaking.
Families are being torn apart, parents are in despair, and the broader society is under strain.
The widespread use of drugs has contributed to an increase in school dropouts, juvenile crime, early parenthood, and even youth mortality.
Despite considerable support from international partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Liberia continues to face major challenges in tackling drug trafficking, illegal distribution, and consumption.
According to multiple civil society organizations and international observers, Liberia’s geographical vulnerabilities and weak, underfunded security systems have made it a convenient route for international drug cartels.
The 2023 UNODC report identifies Liberia as a transit hub for illicit drugs, largely due to porous borders and insufficiently paid enforcement personnel.
Between 2005 and 2020, Liberia was among several West African nations that saw significant drug seizures, more than 90 kilograms of cocaine were confiscated during this period, with an estimated total of 2,500 kilograms reported (WACD, 2014).
Illicit Drugs in Schools and Communities
The drug crisis has reached even Liberia’s schools. Activities such as “Super Friday” have emerged, where students reportedly gather at beaches or entertainment venues under the guise of socializing but engage in illicit drug use.
These events have become increasingly popular among young people, raising concern about how deeply drug culture has infiltrated the educational system.
A 2022 study conducted by the Liberia United Youth for Community Safety and Development, and later published on the UNODC website, revealed that 75% of drug users in Liberia are parents.
This alarming statistic highlights the potential for intergenerational addiction and underscores the urgent need for national intervention.
Call to Action
Former officer Monroe Dennis and many others are calling for stronger leadership and a more patriotic commitment to safeguarding Liberia’s future. “Liberia doesn’t need more politicians; we need patriots,” Dennis emphasized.
“Our youth deserves better. They deserve safety, opportunity, and a society free from the grip of illicit drugs.”
As the drug crisis continues to erode the potential of Liberia’s next generation, urgent steps must be taken at all levels, community, government, and international, to reverse the tide.
He’s calling on all Liberian to say no to illicit drugs and protect the future of Youth.
