LIBERIA’S FORMER VICE PRESIDENT CHARGED OVER US$317M COCAINE SEIZURE
Liberia’s former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with drug trafficking and money laundering in connection with a transnational narcotics investigation linked to a US$317 million cocaine seizure.
Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president from 2018 to 2024 under former President George Weah, was reportedly detained at Roberts International Airport while preparing to travel to Ghana.
She is facing multiple charges, including drug trafficking, conspiracy, criminal facilitation and money laundering.
The charges follow the seizure of nearly four tonnes of cocaine in Paynesville in July, described by authorities as Liberia’s largest-ever drug bust.
Howard-Taylor entered politics after her marriage to former Liberian President Charles Taylor ended. She returned to Liberia in 2004 and was elected to the Senate the following year, representing Bong County.
She served as a senator for 12 years before becoming vice president under Weah.
She was previously married to Charles Taylor, who ruled Liberia from 1997 until 2003. The couple divorced in 2006.
Howard-Taylor has not been convicted of any offence and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence as the case proceeds through Liberia’s judicial system.