Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been committed to the Monrovia Central Prison at South Beach following her initial court appearance on eight charges connected to international drug trafficking.
On Tuesday, the Monrovia City Court, presiding at the Temple of Justice, mandated her remand as part of a major investigation into a $317 million illegal drug operation.
Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president from 2018 to 2024, now remains in custody as a pre-trial detainee.
During the proceedings, defense lawyers requested compassionate leave, citing her ongoing struggles with asthma and high blood pressure.
State prosecutors strongly opposed the plea, maintaining that the legal authority to grant such leave rests exclusively with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Prosecutors noted that her defense team failed to follow proper protocol by not submitting a formal request detailing her medical condition prior to the hearing.
The court ultimately ruled in favor of the prosecution, pointing out that drug-related offenses carry non-bailable status under Liberian law.
Consequently, suspects facing these charges must remain detained while awaiting formal indictment.
Source: BBC
