MONROVIA, Liberia — Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been formally charged with multiple drug-related offenses, including alleged drug trafficking, money laundering, unlicensed importation of controlled substances, criminal conspiracy and criminal solicitation.
The charges were announced Wednesday by Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, as authorities continue investigating an alleged transnational narcotics network linked to a major cocaine seizure in Liberia.
According to the authorities, the case is connected to the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$317 million, rather than the separate US$19 million drug case that has also drawn public attention. Reuters reported that the larger seizure involved nearly four metric tons of cocaine allegedly destined for Europe. (Reuters)
Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman said Taylor will remain detained at the Monrovia Central Prison pending her appearance before court. Coleman said investigators believe they have sufficient evidence linking the former Vice President to the US$317 million drug investigation.
Taylor was reportedly taken into custody at Roberts International Airport while attempting to leave Liberia. (Reuters)
The charges mark a major development in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to dismantle an alleged international drug-trafficking network operating through the country.
Authorities have not yet publicly detailed all of the evidence they say links Taylor to the alleged trafficking operation. She remains an accused person, and the allegations against her have yet to be tested in court.
Taylor served as Liberia’s Vice President from 2018 to 2024 under former President George Weah. (en.wikipedia.org)
Her legal representation had not publicly commented on the charges at the time of publication. (Reuters)
