Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor Charged in International Drug Probe

Liberia’s former vice president, Jewel Howard-Taylor, was taken into custody after authorities intercepted her at Roberts International Airport. The attorney general’s office filed charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, unlicensed importation of a controlled substance, criminal solicitation and conspiracy, linking her to a broader transnational narcotics network. Police escorted her to the national police headquarters for processing.

This arrest comes less than a month after officials reported seizing about $317 million in cocaine bound for Europe, highlighting the country’s growing significance in international drug routes. Howard-Taylor is also known as the ex-spouse of convicted war criminal Charles Taylor. Her lawyer could not be reached for an immediate statement.