Jewel, Cartel Plot Against Weah

By Lincoln G. Peters

TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia, September 6, 2026: The prosecution’s first witness in the criminal trial of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has testified that investigators linked her to an alleged transnational drug-trafficking network, while also alleging that members of the network discussed a plot to harm former President George M. Weah.

Rephel Wilson, Acting Commissioner of the Liberia National Police Crimes Services Division, made the allegations while testifying for the prosecution at the Temple of Justice. He told the court that he supervised the police investigative team that handled the case.

Howard-Taylor faces multiple charges, including importation of controlled drugs, unlicensed exportation of controlled drugs and substances, unlicensed sale, trading in transit and transportation of controlled substances, abuse of office, illicit trafficking, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, money laundering and aiding the consummation of a crime.

Wilson testified that investigators uncovered what he described as a transnational network involving individuals in Liberia, Dubai and Nigeria who allegedly discussed using Liberia as a transit point for cocaine.

According to the witness, members of the alleged network sought protection from senior government officials to facilitate their activities in Liberia. He said investigators also obtained intelligence from meetings that were allegedly secretly recorded.

Wilson further testified about financial transactions involving substantial amounts of money, including an alleged US$250 million connected to aspects of the investigation.

The prosecution witness also introduced allegations involving former President Weah, claiming that discussions within the alleged network included a plot to eliminate or assassinate the former Liberian leader.

Wilson referenced Howard-Taylor in connection with the alleged discussions, but details presented in the testimony concerning her specific role in the purported plot were not immediately clear.

The allegation against Weah adds a new dimension to a case that has largely centered on accusations of drug trafficking, conspiracy, money laundering and the alleged use of political influence to facilitate illicit activities.

The prosecution is expected to present additional witnesses and evidence as it seeks to establish links between Howard-Taylor, the alleged drug-trafficking network, financial transactions and the other crimes charged.

Howard-Taylor and the other defendants have not been convicted of the charges. The allegations remain subject to proof by the prosecution, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.