Monrovia, Liberia — November 3, 2025:A female kitchen staff member assigned to the Monrovia Central Prison has been arrested and charged with the unlicensed possession, sale, and distribution of controlled drugs and substances, following a search conducted at the prison compound on October 31, 2025.
According to a writ of arrest issued by the Monrovia City Magisterial Court, the defendant, Oretha M. Sumo, was allegedly caught discarding a substance suspected to be Kush a synthetic drug—during a routine search ordered by prison authorities.
The substance, valued at approximately US$1,000, was reportedly recovered by officers at the scene.
The Ministry of Justice, acting on behalf of the Republic of Liberia, filed the complaint against Sumo, accusing her of violating Section 14.107 of the New Penal Law of Liberia, which prohibits the unauthorized possession and distribution of controlled substances.
The court document states that Sumo, serving as a dietician at the prison, attempted to dispose of the drugs through a window when security officers approached the area. Officers immediately retrieved the item and detained the suspect for questioning.
The Monrovia City Court have instructed police to present the accused before the Monrovia City Court at the Temple of Justice, Montserrado County, to answer to the charges.
The writ, signed and issued on November 3, 2025, describes the act as “criminal, illegal and unconstitutional,” noting that it runs contrary to the laws of the Republic of Liberia.
