Liberian authorities have charged former Vice President and First Lady Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and other criminal offences as part of an ongoing transnational narcotics investigation.
Howard-Taylor was arrested at Roberts International Airport and taken to the headquarters of the Liberia National Police, according to Liberia’s attorney general. Her arrest came weeks after authorities announced a major cocaine seizure linked to an alleged trafficking operation in the country.
The charges reportedly include unlicensed importation of a controlled substance, criminal solicitation and criminal conspiracy, in addition to drug trafficking and money laundering.
Liberia’s attorney general said the investigation would be conducted without political interference and warned that individuals linked to organised criminal activity would be prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists.
“There will be no selective justice, political protection, sacred cows or compromise with organized criminality,” the attorney general said. “Every person against whom credible and admissible evidence is established will be investigated and prosecuted without fear, favor or political consideration.”
Howard-Taylor’s lawyer, Kabineh M. Ja’neh, told Reuters that he had visited his client on Wednesday and was informed by officials that she would be charged, although he had not yet seen the formal indictment.
“She is in the custody of the Liberia National Police tonight. She will sleep there,” Ja’neh said.
“We would be able to proceed with the matter once we get the formal charge,” he added.
Nationwide Drug Trafficking Investigation
The case comes shortly after Liberian authorities announced a major cocaine trafficking operation involving an estimated $317 million worth of cocaine allegedly destined for Europe.
The investigation has raised concerns about the extent to which international drug trafficking networks operate through Liberia and whether individuals with political connections have been involved.
Howard-Taylor, 63, served as Liberia’s vice president from 2018 to 2024 under President George Weah. Before becoming vice president, she represented Bong County in the Liberian Senate from 2006 to 2018 and chaired the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency.
Howard-Taylor was also married to Charles Taylor, the former Liberian president who was convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Sierra Leone’s civil war for nine years.
The current charges against Howard-Taylor remain allegations, and any eventual criminal liability will depend on the evidence presented and the outcome of judicial proceedings.
