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

Former Liberian vice-president Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with drug trafficking, money laundering and other offenses as part of an investigation into a transnational narcotics network, according to the nation's attorney general. The charges stem from the seizure of approximately US$317 million worth of cocaine intended for export to Europe, underscoring Liberia's involvement in the global drug trade.

Howard-Taylor, the ex-wife of war criminal Charles Taylor, was detained at Roberts International Airport while attempting to leave the country and is currently in custody at the national police headquarters. In addition to the primary charges, she faces allegations of unlicensed importation of a controlled substance, criminal solicitation and criminal conspiracy.

Three alleged members of the narcotics network, including two Croatians and a Ukrainian, have also been charged in absentia, with authorities seeking their arrest through legal channels. The statement emphasized that justice would be pursued without prejudice or political influence, and no one would be spared from investigation and prosecution based on credible evidence.