Liberia: Ex-VP Jewel Howard-Taylor Becomes Person of Interest in Cocaine Probe

What the report says

Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been called in by investigators from the Liberia National Police as part of an expanding cocaine probe, according to the Liberian Observer report distributed by AllAfrica. Police spokesperson Sam Collins confirmed that she was invited to answer questions, while officials said the move does not amount to an arrest or formal charge.

The report says Howard-Taylor was stopped at Roberts International Airport on Wednesday morning as she prepared to travel to Accra, Ghana, for a women’s forum. She later told supporters she had been told she could not leave Liberia and was asked to report to police headquarters. Police have not publicly said which of two major drug cases is tied to her questioning.

The investigation centers on two large cocaine seizures that have drawn intense public attention in Liberia: one reportedly worth $19 million intercepted at the airport, and another said to be valued at $317 million found along the Roberts International Airport Highway. Authorities have not confirmed allegations circulating about diplomatic passports or any wrongdoing by Howard-Taylor.

The report also noted a heightened security presence at police headquarters before her expected arrival, with senior law enforcement officials present. The case has become one of the most visible developments in Liberia’s broader anti-narcotics drive, which has prompted calls for officials to identify and prosecute those linked to trafficking networks.