Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been remanded in prison ahead of her trial over alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking network.
Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president from 2018 to 2024 under former President George Weah, was detained at Monrovia Central Prison on Tuesday following her initial court appearance.
She is facing eight charges, including the alleged illegal importation, sale, distribution and trafficking of drugs.
The case is linked to a major cocaine seizure in Liberia. Authorities reportedly seized about four tonnes of cocaine worth $317 million in July, with investigators alleging that Howard-Taylor was connected to the network behind the shipment.
Howard-Taylor, who is also the former wife of ex-Liberian President and rebel leader Charles Taylor, was arrested last week at Roberts International Airport near Monrovia.
Her lawyers asked the court to release her on health grounds, citing her asthma. However, the court rejected the request, saying that only the attorney general could approve compassionate leave.
Three other suspects — two Croatians and a Ukrainian — have also been charged in connection with the case, although they are currently being tried in absentia.
The case comes as President Joseph Boakai's administration intensifies its campaign against drug trafficking in Liberia following several major cocaine seizures.
The opposition Alternative National Congress has urged the government to investigate all individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, regardless of their political affiliation. The party expressed concern that opposition figures may be receiving greater attention while alleged links to members of the ruling Unity Party remain unresolved.
Liberian authorities have vowed to uncover and dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the country.
West Africa is widely regarded as an important transit route for cocaine produced in Latin America and destined for European markets.
Charles Taylor, Howard-Taylor's former husband, is currently serving a 50-year prison sentence in Britain after being convicted of crimes linked to his support for rebel groups in Sierra Leone.
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