Former Vice President Arrested Over $317m Cocaine Seizure (Photo)
Liberian authorities have detained former Vice President Jewel Howard‑Taylor in connection with the country’s largest‑ever cocaine bust, valued at $317 million (£233m). The Justice Ministry confirmed her arrest on Wednesday after she was stopped at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia while attempting to board an outbound flight.
According to officials, Howard‑Taylor was taken into custody and transferred to police headquarters for questioning. Her detention follows last month’s seizure of nearly four tonnes of cocaine, a shipment that investigators say was part of a transnational trafficking network operating across West Africa.
Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman said the former vice president has been linked to individuals believed to be involved in the smuggling operation. He described her as a “person of interest” in the ongoing probe, though authorities have not yet disclosed details of her alleged role.
The Justice Ministry has indicated that the investigation is widening, with several foreign nationals also under scrutiny. Prosecutors are expected to announce formal charges once preliminary interrogations and evidence reviews are completed.
The case has intensified public debate over Liberia’s anti‑narcotics efforts, given both the scale of the seized shipment and the high‑profile nature of the suspect. Security analysts say the bust underscores the growing use of West African ports and airports as transit points for international drug cartels.
Officials say further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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