Liberia's Former VP Faces Arrest Warrants

Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and 19 others now face arrest warrants following a True Bill of Indictment returned by the Special Grand Jury for Montserrado County.

“Liberia: Howard-Taylor, 19 Others Face Arrest Warrants in U.S.$317m Cocaine Case”

20 Defendants Named in Amended Indictment

The Special Grand Jury returned a True Bill of Indictment against 20 individuals, including Howard-Taylor, on charges of alleged unlicensed importation of controlled substances, illicit trafficking, unlicensed sale and transportation of controlled drugs, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, and money laundering.

Case Transferred to Criminal Court C

Judicial records confirm that the case file has been transferred from the Monrovia City Court to Criminal Court "C", the court of exclusive original jurisdiction for first-degree felony drug offenses under Liberia's 2023 Amended Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Howard-Taylor Detained in August 2026

Howard-Taylor, who served as Liberia's Vice President from 2018 to 2024, was initially detained in August 2026 at Roberts International Airport as she allegedly attempted to leave the country.

Cocaine Seizure in July 2026

The Government of Liberia announced in July 2026 the seizure of approximately four metric tons of cocaine with an estimated street value of US$317 million.

Writs of Arrest Issued

Presiding Judge Ousman F. Feika ordered the issuance of capias writs to secure the appearance of all accused persons to answer to the indictment.

Arrest Warrants Not Evidence of Guilt

The writ of arrest dated August 25, 2026, signed by Clerk Abel Kalay, and the Grand Jury indictment are formal legal instruments and accusations; they are not evidence of guilt.

20 Defendants Split Between Custody and At-Large

Several defendants are already in custody, while the remaining defendants have been declared at large. Enforcement of the warrants is assigned to the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.

Criminal Court C Balances Proceedings

The Court must balance the prosecution's interest in trying an alleged conspiracy as a single transaction against the constitutional right of incarcerated defendants to a speedy trial.

No Arraignment Date Announced

The Ministry of Justice has not yet announced a date for arraignment. Pre-trial proceedings are expected to be scheduled by Criminal Court C in the coming days.