Says Joint Security Has Been Reviewing Evidence
2 Croatian Citizens And One Ukrainian National Also Charged In Connection With Narcotic Drug Ring
PHOTO: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor
FORMAL STATEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
August 19, 2026
Fellow Liberians, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen:
Justice Min. Cllr. Oswald Tweh
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, informs the public that former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been formally charged in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged transnational narcotics trafficking network operating within and beyond the Republic of Liberia.
Madam Howard-Taylor was stopped from departing Liberia at Roberts International Airport and was subsequently taken to the headquarters of the Liberia National Police.
Following investigative procedures and a review of evidence presented by the Joint National Security Investigative Team, she has been charged with the following offenses:
UNDER THE CONTROLLED DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ACT OF 2023
- Violation of Section 14.83: Unlicensed Importation of a Controlled Drug or Substance;
- Violation of Section 14.85: Unlicensed Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution, Dispatch in Transit and Transportation of a Controlled Drug or Substance; and
- Violation of Section 14.93: Illicit Trafficking of a Controlled Drug or Substance.
UNDER CHAPTER 10 OF THE PENAL LAW OF LIBERIA
- Violation of Section 10.2: Criminal Solicitation;
- Violation of Section 10.3: Criminal Facilitation; and
- Violation of Section 10.4: Criminal Conspiracy.
UNDER THE ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERRORIST FINANCING LAW
- Violation of Section 15.2: Money Laundering.
The Government further announces that the following alleged members and organizers of the same transnational narcotics network have also been charged in absentia:
- Nikolai Ivancic, a Croatian national;
- Mihovil Vrlovac, a Croatian national; and
- Tara Zaderieko, a Ukrainian national.
The Ministry of Justice will pursue all lawful domestic and international measures necessary to locate, apprehend, and bring these defendants before the courts of the Republic of Liberia.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Director of the National Security Agency for Administration, Mr. Gerald Smith, has been called in for questioning in connection with the same investigation.
These actions represent a decisive stage in the Government’s determination to expose and dismantle this network from its roots. We will identify and pursue its leadership, financiers, facilitators, transporters, operational coordinators, institutional protectors, and every person who knowingly assisted its activities.
No office is too high, no political connection is too powerful, no nationality provides immunity, and no individual is beyond the reach of the law.
Transnational narcotics trafficking is not an ordinary criminal enterprise. It is a direct attack upon our national security, public institutions, economy, and the future of Liberia’s young people. Any organization that attempts to corrupt public officials, penetrate state institutions, or transform Liberia into a transit corridor for illicit narcotics will face the full and lawful authority of the Republic.
Our objective is not merely to seize narcotics or arrest low-level operatives. Our objective is to dismantle the entire criminal infrastructure—its leadership, financing, logistics, protection arrangements, and international connections. We will follow the evidence across institutions, political boundaries, and national borders.
There will be no selective justice, political protection, sacred cows, or compromise with organized criminality. Every person against whom credible and admissible evidence is established will be investigated and prosecuted without fear, favor, or political consideration.
The Government nevertheless emphasizes that criminal charges are accusations and do not constitute judgments of guilt. All defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty before a court of competent jurisdiction. They are entitled to legal representation, due process, and all constitutional and statutory protections guaranteed under Liberian law.
This remains an active and sensitive investigation involving multiple individuals and jurisdictions. The Government will therefore not disclose information that could compromise ongoing operations, endanger cooperating persons, or prejudice judicial proceedings.
We urge the public, political actors, and media institutions to avoid speculation, intimidation of witnesses, and the publication of unverified information capable of interfering with the investigation or undermining the administration of justice.
Let there be no misunderstanding: Liberia will not be surrendered to drug traffickers or those who enable them. We will uproot this network, sever its financial and institutional support, pursue its members wherever they may be found, and bring every culpable actor before the law.
Further information will be released when legally and operationally appropriate.
Thank you.
ATTORNEY GENERAL AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA