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By Stephen G. Fellajuah
CONGO TOWN, Liberia, September 11, 2026: Liberian businessman and political figure George B. Kailondo has urged the public to avoid prejudging former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor over drug-related charges against her, saying the prosecution and defense should be allowed to present their evidence before conclusions are drawn.
Kailondo said allegations against the former Vice President are serious, but maintained that her guilt or innocence should be determined through the judicial process.
He made the remarks during an interview at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, where he expressed sadness over the allegations against Howard-Taylor, whom he described as a friend.
“People say they got evidence. Let’s see what happened,” Kailondo said.
He said he found it difficult to believe that Howard-Taylor would knowingly become involved in the illegal drug trade, citing the reported death of her son from drug-related causes.
Howard-Taylor was stopped at Roberts International Airport on August 19, 2026, while attempting to leave Liberia and was subsequently taken to the headquarters of the Liberia National Police.
Authorities later declared her a person of interest and charged her following an investigation by a Joint National Security Investigative Team.
She faces several charges, including transportation of a controlled substance, illicit trafficking, criminal solicitation, criminal facilitation, criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
According to allegations contained in the police charge sheet, investigators believe Howard-Taylor came into contact with individuals suspected of being linked to an international cocaine-trafficking network while she served as Vice President.
The prosecution’s allegations reportedly involve travel records, witness accounts, financial transactions and an audio recording.
Investigators also allege that Howard-Taylor traveled to Dubai, where she met individuals suspected of being connected to the network.
The charge sheet alleges that she received US$45,000 during the Dubai trip, later received or facilitated US$75,000 associated with the Jewel Star Fish Foundation, and received another US$15,000 in August 2026.
The alleged transactions total US$135,000. The claims have not been proven in court.
Howard-Taylor has denied wrongdoing, while her legal team has challenged the allegations against her.
Kailondo said the public should allow the judicial process to run its course and hear evidence from both sides before determining whether the allegations are credible.
“Let’s wait for the trial and see what unfolds. What evidence the state can account for. We hear and then hear from the defense team what they will have to say. So, for now, I don’t think anybody needs to judge her,” he said.
Kailondo acknowledged that the case has generated political controversy, with some critics describing the prosecution as a witch-hunt, but said the rule of law should ultimately determine the outcome.
Meanwhile, Kailondo commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration for what he described as stronger action against illicit drug trafficking following major cocaine seizures this year.
He cited the seizure of cocaine valued at about US$19 million at Roberts International Airport and the subsequent discovery of cocaine estimated at US$317 million in Duazon, Margibi County.
Kailondo praised security personnel involved in the operations, saying the seizures demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering and effective investigations in combating international drug trafficking.
He also recalled an earlier major drug seizure reportedly valued at about US$100 million, arguing that the case produced little visible accountability.
Kailondo cautioned that dismantling international drug-trafficking networks remains difficult, noting that countries with greater resources and technology continue to struggle with the problem.
He also expressed confidence in President Boakai’s appointment of retired Major General Daniel Dee Ziankahn Jr. as Director General-designate of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
Asked whether Ziankahn was prepared to lead the country’s anti-drug campaign, Kailondo replied: “Oh, yeah, he’s ready. He’s ready for the time.”
Describing Ziankahn as a “no-nonsense soldier,” Kailondo said his personal interactions with the former military officer gave him confidence that Ziankahn possesses the firmness required to lead the LDEA as Liberia confronts increasingly sophisticated drug-trafficking operations.
