Liberian authorities have charged former Vice-President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and other offences as part of an investigation into an alleged international narcotics network.
Howard-Taylor, who served as vice-president under former President George Weah from January 2018 to January 2024, was detained on Wednesday at Roberts International Airport while reportedly attempting to leave the country.
She was subsequently taken to police headquarters as investigators continued their probe into suspected organised drug trafficking. The case follows Liberia’s seizure of a major cocaine shipment and a wider investigation into the people allegedly connected to the network.
Authorities said about 237.6kg of cocaine was intercepted at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia in June. The shipment was valued at more than $19 million, according to the authorities, who launched a joint national security investigation into its origin, destination and possible links to organised criminal groups.
Liberian authorities had earlier described the wider operation as involving cocaine worth about $317 million, calling it the country’s largest drug bust. The reported figures refer to the broader seizure operation, while the 237.6kg shipment intercepted at the airport was separately valued at more than $19 million.
Howard-Taylor is also the former wife of Charles Taylor, Liberia’s former president who was convicted of war crimes. Her arrest and prosecution have therefore drawn particular attention as the government investigates possible connections to the alleged narcotics network.
The Liberian Justice Ministry said the investigation would not be influenced by political status. “There will be no selective justice, political protection, sacred cows or compromise with organized criminality,” the ministry said.
Authorities have also charged three alleged members of the network in absentia. The suspects include two Croatian nationals and a Ukrainian national, with the government saying it will pursue their arrest through domestic and international legal channels.
The charges against Howard-Taylor are allegations and will have to be established through legal proceedings. The investigation remains ongoing as Liberian authorities seek to identify the full extent of the alleged transnational narcotics operation.
