Rising Mob Violence: Community Dwellers Attack Drug Addicts and Traffickers

Liberia is witnessing a troubling surge of mob violence as community dwellers increasingly take the law into their own hands, sporadically arresting individuals they perceive as drug addicts or traffickers, vandalizing homes, and burning down alleged ghettos. While the fight against drugs remains a national priority and public frustration over narcotics-related crimes is understandable, the alarming rise in mob justice poses a dangerous threat to peace, order, and the rule of law. Concerned citizens, human rights advocates, and community leaders are calling on the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police (LNP), to issue a strong statement condemning such practices and to reinforce mechanisms for lawful drug enforcement. In recent weeks, several incidents have underscored the intensity of community-led crackdowns: 

• In Chicken Soup Factory Community, residents reportedly apprehended an elderly woman accused of possessing drugs.
• In Peace Island Community, District #10, Montserrado County, local leadership, alongside some officers of the LNP, conducted a raid on alleged ghettos. Approximately ten individuals believed to be drug users were arrested, and a major ghetto was set ablaze. The community vowed to carry out weekly raids until drugs are eradicated from the area.
• 4^th Street in Sikor
• Wako Town in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County

 Such actions, though motivated by frustration over the proliferation of illicit drugs, are increasingly raising concerns about human rights violations, unlawful detention, and the potential for violent escalation. Community members must be reminded that no ordinary citizen has the right to beat, arrest, or detain another person. This practice is unlawful and undermines Liberia’s democratic values. As one concerned citizen stressed: “Instead of trekking on the path of arbitrarily arresting folks you think are into narcotics business, call the Police or DEA agents. Blow the whistle and leave the rest with the government because you have no damn right to be beating on those folks and arresting them as ordinary citizens.” These actions are being described as a throwback to “rebel behavior,” reminiscent of the country’s painful civil conflict, when violence was often used as a means of control. Advocates warn that if left unchecked, this rising wave of mob violence could destabilize fragile communities and further erode trust in Liberia’s security institutions. The root cause of these unlawful practices is tied, in part, to deep public distrust in the security sector. Many community dwellers feel that reporting drug users or traffickers yields little to no results, with some alleging corruption or negligence among law enforcement officers. This mistrust has fueled direct, unlawful actions by communities desperate to see change. However, taking the law into one’s own hands is not a solution. It not only violates the rights of the accused but also creates conditions for violence, revenge attacks, and widespread instability. Liberia is currently grappling with the devastating effects of a new wave of illicit substances, which are killing drug users daily across Monrovia and beyond. The government, through the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Liberia National Police, and other security agencies, has committed to combating this national scourge. Community support is vital in this fight, but such support must remain within the boundaries of the law. Citizens are encouraged to: 

1. Report suspicious activity directly to the Police or LDEA.
2. Avoid mob action or property destruction, which could lead to criminal charges.
3. Work with local authorities and community watch teams in lawful, structured ways.

The Ministry of Justice is urged to issue an immediate public advisory warning against mob justice and reassuring communities of government’s commitment to intensifying the drug war through legitimate channels. The fight against drugs in Liberia is taking serious shape. However, the manner in which some communities are proceeding risks undermining the broader objective. Liberia cannot afford a return to the days when law and order were sidelined in favor of jungle justice. “Da native behavior time has passed. Da rebel behavior. Liberia is a nation of laws, and only lawful means will ensure success against drugs.” The government must step up enforcement, strengthen anti-drug campaigns, and build trust with communities to ensure that citizens feel protected and heard. The path forward must be rooted in the rule of law, accountability, and coordinated community-police partnerships. While the anger and frustration of Liberians over the spread of drugs is justified, mob justice is never the answer. It is unlawful, dangerous, and counterproductive. The government is being called upon to send a clear message: citizens must work with state institutions, not against them, to combat the scourge of narcotics. The Ministry of Justice and Liberia National Police are therefore urged to act swiftly both in enforcing anti-drug laws and in curbing the alarming rise of community vigilantism to preserve Liberia’s peace and democracy.