Liberia: 'Ex-VP Howard Taylor Connected to U.S.$317m Drugs Case'

Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is reportedly connected to a US$317 million cocaine seizure case in Liberia, according to Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman. Coleman stated that anyone within the network's operations, whether state or non-state actors, is part of the investigation, placing Howard-Taylor within the alleged criminal enterprise.

Her detention has shifted the focus of the anti-drug campaign from suspected traffickers and facilitators to a former high-ranking government official. The government claims the case involves $317 million worth of cocaine, while another investigation targets a $19 million shipment. Coleman clarified that Howard-Taylor's connection is specifically to the $317 million case.

The investigation, which originated from a National Security Council mandate, aims to dismantle a drug-trafficking organization with potential local facilitators and political connections. Howard-Taylor, who served as Vice President from 2018 to 2024, is now the standard bearer of the National Patriotic Party. The government denies allegations that the investigation is targeting political opponents, stating that the investigation is based on the alleged structure of the trafficking organization.

If investigators can demonstrate Howard-Taylor's connection to the alleged network through evidence, the government's claim of an evidence-driven investigation becomes more credible.