By Lincoln G. Peters
MONROVIA, Liberia, August 26, 2026 — Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe has welcomed reports that the government plans to investigate him over alleged links to the ongoing US$317 million cocaine case, describing the allegations as baseless and declaring that he is prepared to cooperate with any investigation.
Snowe also raised concerns about the health of detained former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and accused the government of applying what he described as selective justice in its handling of individuals allegedly linked to the country’s drug investigations.
The Bomi County senator spoke to journalists Wednesday following a visit with Taylor at the Monrovia Central Prison, commonly known as South Beach, where she is being detained in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation.
Responding to reports that authorities intend to question him over allegations of money laundering and links to drug traffickers, Snowe said he has nothing to hide and would cooperate with investigators.
“Let the government go ahead. I am an open person. I have never come in conflict with the law and have never been associated with any drug cartel or issues or any money laundering crime. So, it is baseless,” Snowe said.
He did not provide details about the specific allegations reportedly prompting the planned investigation.
Snowe said his visit to the prison was intended to check on Taylor’s condition and hear her account of the allegations against her.
According to him, the former vice president maintained during their conversation that she is innocent and prepared to defend herself in court.
“The VP is okay, except for her health condition. She has been very poor in health. She suffered from chronic asthma, but she is upbeat,” Snowe said.
“She told me that she is innocent and prepared to prove her innocence in court. You know, under Liberian law, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. I have no reason to doubt her,” he added.
Snowe’s description of Taylor’s health condition could not be independently verified.
Taylor has been detained following charges arising from an ongoing investigation into alleged drug trafficking and money laundering. She has denied wrongdoing.
Snowe, a senior member of the National Patriotic Party (NPP), also raised concerns about what he described as unequal treatment of individuals allegedly connected to recent drug cases.
He said the NPP, whose political leader and standard bearer is Taylor, is concerned that some officials reportedly linked to the drug controversy have been dismissed or suspended without being charged, while Taylor has been arrested and prosecuted.
“The NPP and I, as a person, are concerned about what we consider selective justice. Others were dismissed and no legal action [was taken] against them,” Snowe said.
“So, we are concerned about the selective justice aspect and hope the government will not make us believe this is a witch-hunt,” he added.
Snowe also questioned the circumstances surrounding Taylor’s arrest, including authorities preventing her from traveling and her reported request to return home before accompanying police for questioning.
He argued that the government should apply the same legal standard to everyone implicated by credible evidence, irrespective of political affiliation or official position.
Meanwhile, family members of the detained former vice president were seen Wednesday taking personal items to the Monrovia Central Prison.
Among the items were a mattress and bags containing other belongings apparently intended for Taylor during her detention.
Taylor remains in custody as the legal proceedings against her continue.
