Former Liberian Vice-President Jewel Howard-Taylor Charged With Drug Trafficking

Former Liberian Vice-President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged by authorities with drug trafficking, money laundering and other offences.

Liberia’s Justice Minister, Oswald Tweh, announced the charges in a statement on Wednesday, following Howard-Taylor’s detention at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia while she was preparing to board a flight.

According to the Justice Ministry, the former vice-president faces multiple charges under Liberia’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including the unlicensed importation, sale, trading, administration, distribution, delivery, transportation and trafficking of controlled drugs or substances.

The government also accused her of money laundering, although details of the specific allegations were not immediately disclosed.

Tweh said the government would pursue the case without political interference, stressing that no individual would receive preferential treatment in the fight against organised crime.

“There will be no selective justice, political protection, sacred cows or compromise with organised criminality,” the minister said.

Howard-Taylor, who is the former wife of ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor, served as Vice-President under former President George Weah from 2018 to 2024.

She has yet to publicly respond to the allegations or the charges brought against her.

Her detention and prosecution come about a month after Liberian authorities announced the seizure of cocaine reportedly worth approximately $317 million, allegedly destined for Europe, as part of an intensified crackdown on drug trafficking through the country.

The latest development has attracted significant attention in Liberia, particularly given Howard-Taylor’s former position as one of the country’s highest-ranking political officials.