Ex‑Vice President of Liberia Charged with Drug Trafficking

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:21:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former VP Jewel Howard‑Taylor faces drug trafficking, money‑laundering and other crimes as Liberia intensifies its fight against cocaine smuggling.

Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard‑Taylor has been charged with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offences. She was detained before a flight out of Monrovia and has not yet commented publicly. Authorities suspect she facilitated the import, sale and transport of controlled substances, and have named foreign allies in the network. The case highlights Liberia’s crackdown on the growing West‑African drug trade linked to Europe.

Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard‑Taylor has been charged with drug trafficking, money laundering and other serious offences by the country’s Justice Ministry.

She was detained at the airport before she could leave Liberia on a flight, and has yet to release any statements on the accusations.

The case is part of Liberia’s intensified effort to fight the transnational drug trade, especially cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe that uses West Africa as a transit route.

Authorities claim Howard‑Taylor facilitated the illegal import, sale and transport of controlled substances, and have named three foreign nationals—two Croatians and one Ukrainian—in absentia as part of the network.

Officials promise to pursue all elements of the drug‑trafficking machinery, from organisers to financiers.

The former VP’s role in the previous George Weah administration—marred by corruption allegations—has brought extra scrutiny as President Joseph Boakai vows to end Liberia’s reputation as a drug hub.