Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with multiple offenses, including illicit trafficking, money laundering and criminal conspiracy, following allegations that she collaborated with an international cocaine trafficking network.
According to a police charge sheet, Howard-Taylor is accused of maintaining contact with alleged members of a transnational cocaine cartel and using her influence to support and protect its activities in Liberia.
The charges include unlicensed importation and exportation of controlled drugs, unlicensed sale and transportation of controlled substances, illicit trafficking, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, money laundering and aiding the consummation of a crime.
The charge sheet alleges that in 2021, Sheikh Bashiru Kante brought two foreign nationals, Taras Zadereiko, also known as “Tony,” and Mihovil Vrovac, also known as “Michael,” to Liberia. Investigators allege that the two later conspired with Kante to import and export cocaine between Liberia and Europe.
According to the document, the men and their associates sought to make contact with senior government officials to protect their alleged trafficking operation. In 2022, Kante allegedly introduced the two men to Howard-Taylor, who was then serving as Vice President of Liberia.
Investigators further allege that Howard-Taylor later traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where she met Nikola Ivancic, described in the charge sheet as a Croatian national and alleged leader of the cocaine trafficking network.
The document alleges that a meeting was held in Dubai about using Liberia as a transit route for cocaine.
“In Dubai, they lodged at the H. Hotel where a meeting was held about using Liberia as a transit point for the illicit trafficking of cocaine, to which she agreed,” the charge sheet states.
The charge sheet also alleges that Howard-Taylor received US$45,000 from Ivancic during the Dubai trip. After returning to Liberia, she allegedly requested and received another US$75,000 through Kante for her Jewel Star Fish Foundation.
Investigators further claim that she received an additional US$15,000 through Kante in August 2026 and that an audio recording exists in which she expressed appreciation to the alleged leader of the trafficking network.
The prosecution says the case is supported by travel records, an audio recording and witness testimony. Investigators allege that Howard-Taylor attended meetings, received money and used her office and influence to support the activities of the alleged criminal network.
“The investigation herewith charged defendant Jewel Howard Taylor” based on “travel records,” “audio recording” and witnesses’ testimonies, the document states.
Howard-Taylor was arrested on August 19, 2026. The charge sheet says she was informed of her constitutional rights and was represented by Cllr. Kabineh M. Ja’neh, Cllr. J. Lavela Supuwood and Cllr. Sandra K. Howard. Investigators said she chose to remain silent during questioning.
A writ of arrest issued through the Monrovia City Court orders that Howard-Taylor be brought before the court to answer the charges. The document also names Zadereiko, Vrovac, Ivancic, Kante and others yet to be identified as alleged accomplices.
The prosecution alleges that the offenses violate Liberia’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2023, the New Penal Law and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2021.
Howard-Taylor has been charged, but the allegations have not been proven in court. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
