Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with multiple offenses as authorities investigate an alleged transnational narcotics network.
The charges reportedly include drug trafficking, money laundering, unlicensed importation of controlled substances, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, criminal facilitation, and the sale, distribution and transportation of controlled substances.
Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president from 2018 to 2024, was reportedly stopped at Roberts International Airport while attempting to leave Liberia and was subsequently taken into police custody.
The development comes amid heightened attention on drug trafficking following Liberia’s recent seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$317 million, described as the largest drug seizure in the country’s history. However, the Associated Press reported that authorities said Howard-Taylor’s case is not connected to that particular cocaine seizure, despite the investigations occurring around the same period.
Authorities have also reportedly charged three foreign nationals in absentia in connection with the alleged narcotics network as the investigation continues.
Howard-Taylor has not been convicted of any crime. The charges remain allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.
