Former Liberian vice president charged in drug-trafficking probe

Liberia's Justice Ministry has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering, and other offenses. Howard-Taylor, who served until 2024, was detained at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia before attempting to leave the country. She is accused of illegally importing, selling, and transporting controlled drugs, as well as facilitating drug trafficking. The investigation also involves three foreign nationals – two Croatians and one Ukrainian – charged in absentia for allegedly being part of the same network. Liberian authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle transnational drug trades, particularly cocaine trafficking, and have made significant seizures in recent months. Howard-Taylor has not yet commented publicly on the charges.

Liberia's Justice Ministry announced that former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with drug trafficking, money laundering, and other offenses. Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president from 2018 to 2024, was apprehended at Roberts International Airport while attempting to leave the country. The charges stem from an investigation into an alleged transnational narcotics network. The government also charged three foreigners in absentia for their alleged involvement. These charges follow a recent record-breaking cocaine seizure in Liberia, though the two cases are reportedly not connected. West Africa has become a significant transit route for cocaine trafficking.