Liberia is facing one of the most significant political and criminal justice developments in its recent history after former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor was charged with drug trafficking, money laundering, criminal conspiracy and other offences linked to an alleged transnational narcotics network.

Authorities say the arrest forms part of a wider crackdown on organized drug trafficking, coming just weeks after the country's largest-ever cocaine seizure, valued at approximately 317 million US dollars and reportedly destined for Europe. Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president between 2018 and 2024, was detained while attempting to leave the country, while the government insists that no individual is above the law.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Alphanso G. Kalama a journalist based in Liberia.