Liberia’s former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been sent to prison to await trial on drug trafficking, money laundering and other charges after a court rejected her lawyers’ request for her to remain in a hospital for medical treatment.
Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president from 2018 to 2024, was arrested on August 19 at Roberts International Airport while attempting to leave the country. She is accused of involvement in an alleged transnational narcotics network operating in and beyond Liberia.
Her lawyers had asked the court to allow her to remain at a hospital in Monrovia after she reportedly suffered an asthma attack and experienced high blood pressure while in police custody. The court ultimately denied the request and ordered her to remain in prison pending further proceedings.
Liberian authorities have charged Howard-Taylor with several offenses, including alleged illicit drug trafficking, unlicensed importation and transportation of controlled substances, criminal solicitation, criminal facilitation, criminal conspiracy and money laundering. Three foreign nationals have also been charged in absentia in connection with the investigation.
The case follows Liberia’s seizure of approximately 4.2 metric tons of cocaine, valued by authorities at about $317 million, in July. Investigators have said the broader investigation has also raised questions about possible involvement by senior police officials.
Howard-Taylor’s lawyers have rejected the allegations and described them as politically motivated. The Liberian government, meanwhile, says investigators have evidence including travel records, audio recordings and witness testimony.
Liberia’s Justice Ministry has emphasized that the charges remain allegations and that Howard-Taylor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Authorities have also pledged to pursue the investigation without political interference.
The case comes as West Africa continues to face challenges from international cocaine trafficking networks that use the region as a transit route between South America and European markets.
Swifteradio.com
