Authorities accuse the former vice president of links to an alleged international narcotics network following a major cocaine seizure last month.

Monrovia, Liberia (Running Africa) — Liberia’s former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with drug trafficking, money laundering, and other offenses as authorities investigate an alleged transnational narcotics network linked to a $317 million cocaine seizure.

Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president under former President George Weah from 2018 to 2024, was stopped at Roberts International Airport while attempting to leave Liberia and subsequently taken into police custody.

Prosecutors accuse the former vice president of involvement in an international drug trafficking operation, although the allegations have not been proven in court.

Jewel Howard-Taylor Charged With Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering

Liberian prosecutors have brought several charges against Howard-Taylor, including drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal importation of a controlled substance, criminal solicitation, and conspiracy.

Her lawyer confirmed that authorities had informed him of the charges but said he had not yet received the formal indictment.

The case represents a major development in Liberia’s investigation into an alleged international drug network and places one of the country’s most prominent former political leaders at the center of the probe.

Howard-Taylor served as Liberia’s vice president for six years during George Weah’s administration before leaving office in 2024.

Former Liberian Vice President Stopped at Roberts International Airport

Howard-Taylor was detained at Roberts International Airport, Liberia’s main international aviation hub, as she attempted to leave the country.

Authorities subsequently took her into police custody as part of the investigation.

Details surrounding her intended destination and the circumstances that led authorities to stop her have not been fully disclosed.

Her detention comes as Liberian investigators widen their inquiry into what they describe as a transnational criminal operation.

Charges Follow $317 Million Cocaine Seizure in Liberia

The investigation follows the seizure last month of cocaine reportedly valued at around $317 million, one of the most significant drug cases to draw attention in Liberia.

Authorities allege the narcotics were being transported through Liberia and were ultimately destined for Europe.

The size of the seizure has renewed concerns about West Africa’s role as a transit corridor for cocaine moving from international production centers towards lucrative European markets.

Investigators are now seeking to establish the full structure of the alleged network and the roles played by those accused of participating in it.

Three Other Suspects Charged in Absentia

Liberian authorities have also charged three other alleged members of the network in absentia.

Officials say they intend to pursue the suspects through international legal channels, potentially requiring cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies.

The development suggests the investigation could extend beyond Liberia as authorities attempt to identify and locate individuals allegedly connected to the trafficking operation.

No further details about the whereabouts of the three suspects have been disclosed.

Liberia Faces Scrutiny Over International Drug Trafficking

Liberia’s position on the Atlantic coast places it within a wider West African region that has faced persistent challenges from transnational drug trafficking networks.

International criminal organizations have used parts of West Africa as transit points for narcotics moving towards Europe, placing pressure on governments to strengthen border controls, law enforcement, and financial investigations.

The allegations against a former vice president are likely to intensify scrutiny of Liberia’s response to organized crime and the potential reach of trafficking networks within the country.

For now, the charges against Jewel Howard-Taylor remain allegations that must be tested through Liberia’s judicial process.

But with a former vice president accused and hundreds of millions of dollars worth of cocaine at the center of the investigation, the case is set to become one of Liberia’s most closely watched criminal proceedings.