Liberian authorities have charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and other offences as part of a wider investigation into an alleged international drug network.
Howard-Taylor, who served as Liberia’s vice president from 2018 to 2024, was detained at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia before she could board a flight out of the country. She was subsequently taken to national police headquarters, according to the Justice Ministry. Howard-Taylor has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Authorities accuse the former vice president of illegally importing, selling and transporting controlled drugs, as well as facilitating drug-trafficking activities. The charges form part of Liberia’s increasingly aggressive campaign against transnational drug trafficking. Particularly the movement of cocaine through the West African country.
Foreign Suspects Also Linked to Investigation
Liberian authorities have also charged three foreign nationals in absentia in connection with the investigation. The suspects (two Croatian nationals and one Ukrainian) are accused of being members of the same alleged trafficking network as Howard-Taylor.
The government says it intends to pursue all those suspected of involvement. This includes people believed to have organised, facilitated or financed the trafficking operation.
It has not yet disclosed how the former vice president is alleged to have interacted with the three foreign suspects or provided detailed evidence supporting the charges.
Liberia Steps Up Anti-drug Campaign
The investigation comes amid a broader crackdown by Liberian authorities on international drug trafficking. Officials have carried out several major drug seizures in recent months, including some described as among the largest in the country’s history.
President Joseph Boakai has made the fight against corruption and organised crime a priority since taking office. He has also warned against Liberia becoming a hub for international drug trafficking. West Africa has increasingly been used as a transit corridor for cocaine produced in South America and destined for Europe.
Liberia’s location along the Atlantic coast makes it vulnerable to being exploited by international trafficking networks. Specifically ones seeking routes between South America, West Africa and Europe.
Howard-Taylor’s Political Background
Howard-Taylor was one of the most senior figures in former President George Weah’s administration, serving as vice president throughout his six-year presidency from 2018 to 2024. Weah’s administration faced repeated allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. Although Howard-Taylor’s current drug-trafficking allegations are separate from those earlier accusations.
When Boakai replaced Weah in 2024, his administration promised a stronger campaign against corruption and greater scrutiny of criminal networks operating in Liberia. The latest case involving a former senior government official is therefore likely to attract significant attention. Especially as authorities attempt to demonstrate that their anti-drug campaign extends beyond ordinary trafficking suspects.
For now, the allegations against Howard-Taylor remain unproven. She is entitled to due process as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
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