MONROVIA, Liberia — Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and several other offences in connection with an alleged transnational narcotics network, the country’s Attorney General said Wednesday.
Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president from 2018 to 2024 and is the former wife of convicted former Liberian President Charles Taylor, was detained at Roberts International Airport while attempting to leave the country, according to a statement from the Attorney General. She was subsequently taken to the headquarters of the Liberia National Police.
The charges come less than a month after Liberian authorities announced the seizure of cocaine estimated to be worth about $317 million and allegedly destined for Europe. The seizure has intensified scrutiny of Liberia’s potential role as a transit point in the international drug trade.
In addition to drug trafficking and money laundering, Howard-Taylor faces allegations of illegally importing a controlled substance, criminal solicitation and criminal conspiracy.
The Attorney General said the investigation would be pursued without political interference, stressing that authorities would prosecute anyone against whom credible and admissible evidence is established.
“There will be no selective justice, political protection, sacred cows or compromise with organized criminality,” the statement said.
The authorities did not provide further details on the specific evidence against Howard-Taylor or the alleged role she is accused of playing in the narcotics network.
The case is expected to draw significant attention in Liberia, given Howard-Taylor’s former position as vice president and her longstanding prominence in the country’s political landscape.
