Former Liberian vice-president charged in drug-trafficking probe

Former Vice-President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged in Liberia with drug trafficking, money laundering and other offenses as part of an investigation into a transnational narcotics network, according to the country’s justice ministry. She was detained at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia, Liberia, on Wednesday as she attempted to board a flight.

Police chief Gregory Coleman linked her to the seizure of $317m worth of cocaine last month. The 63-year-old politician, who went into politics after her ex-husband, former President Charles Taylor, left office, has not yet commented on the allegations. Her lawyer stated that he could not comment until Howard-Taylor was formally charged in court.

Howard-Taylor's connection to the alleged drug network is part of a broader investigation that has also charged three foreign nationals – two Croatians and one Ukrainian – in absentia for their alleged involvement. Liberia has intensified efforts to combat cocaine trafficking following two major seizures in June and July, uncovering what authorities called the country's largest drug bust and a sophisticated trafficking network.

The investigation is targeting not only drug smugglers but also financiers, organizers, and those who may have aided the operation, regardless of their nationality or political connections.