Liberia’s former vice-president charged in drug ring probe

Liberia has officially charged former vice-president Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and other crimes as part of an investigation into a transnational narcotics network, the country's attorney general announced on Wednesday. This comes less than a month after Liberian authorities seized approximately US$317 million worth of cocaine headed for Europe, signaling the nation's increasing involvement in the global drug trade.

Howard-Taylor, ex-wife of war criminal Charles Taylor, was arrested at Roberts International Airport while attempting to leave the country and is currently in the custody of the Liberia National Police. The charges, which also include unlicensed importation of a controlled substance, criminal solicitation and criminal conspiracy, were detailed in a statement from the attorney general's office.

The statement emphasized that Liberia would not practice selective justice or political protection, and that every person against whom credible evidence is established will be held accountable without fear, favor or political consideration.

Howard-Taylor's legal representative, Kabineh M. Ja'neh, stated that he had met with his client earlier on Wednesday and informed him of the impending charges. However, he had not yet reviewed the indictment. The lawyer expressed that they would be able to proceed with the matter once the formal charge is presented. Authorities have also charged three alleged members of the network in absentia - two Croatians and a Ukrainian national - and intend to seek their arrest through domestic and international legal channels.