Former Liberian vice president charged in drug-trafficking probe

Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with drug trafficking, money laundering, and other offenses, according to the country's Justice Ministry. She was detained at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia, Liberia's capital, before boarding a flight to leave the country. Howard-Taylor, who served as Vice President for six years until 2024, has not yet responded to the charges publicly.

Liberia has intensified its efforts to combat transnational drug trades, particularly cocaine trafficking, in recent years. The former Vice President is accused of illegally importing, selling, and transporting controlled drugs, as well as aiding in the facilitation of drug trafficking. Three foreign nationals – two Croatians and one Ukrainian – who are believed to be part of the same network as Howard-Taylor, have been charged in absentia.

Liberian authorities are committed to apprehending the foreign nationals and targeting all aspects of the drug-trafficking network, including organizers, facilitators, and financiers. In recent months, multiple drug trafficking seizures have been made, some of which are among the largest in the country's history. During George Weah's administration, which lasted from 2018 to 2024, Liberia faced numerous allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.

President Joseph Boakai, who succeeded Weah, has pledged to tackle corruption and expressed his desire for Liberia not to become a sanctuary for drug trafficking. West Africa has become an increasingly significant transit route for cocaine trading from South America to Europe.