MONROVIA — The preliminary hearing in the government’s drug trafficking and money laundering case against former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has been delayed as her defense team seeks access to her medical records and an independent medical evaluation before she returns to court.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
The Monrovia City Court has reassigned the preliminary examination for Friday, September 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., according to a notice of assignment issued by Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco.
Taylor’s lawyers had initially asked the court to continue Tuesday’s proceedings to Wednesday, September 2, at a time convenient to the court, citing their client’s ongoing health condition.
The request was filed at approximately 7:54 a.m. on September 1, according to a handwritten notation on the document.
In their communication to the court, Taylor’s lawyers said she remains unwell but is willing to participate in all stages of the preliminary examination.
They said Taylor had a medical consultation scheduled for September 1 and had requested permission from the Ministry of Justice to be examined by a physician familiar with her medical history.
The lawyers argued that a brief postponement would allow the former vice president to receive necessary medical attention before returning to court.
The communication was signed by Cllr. Laveli Supuwood, Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh, and Cllr. Finley Y. Karngar.
Defense Seeks Medical Records, Cardiologist
FrontPage Africa has gathered that Taylor’s defense team is also seeking a continuance to allow her lawyers to obtain her medical records and arrange for an independent doctor to assess her condition.
A source told FPA that Dr. Gomez of GIMS Medical Center requested Taylor’s medical records based on a notarized authorization signed by the former vice president.
The source said efforts were also underway to have a cardiologist examine Taylor as her defense team seeks a clearer assessment of her condition before she faces further proceedings.
Taylor was previously taken to GIMS Medical Center while in police custody after reportedly experiencing an unstable medical condition, including elevated blood pressure.
She was later returned to custody at the Monrovia Central Prison, where she remains detained.
Facing Serious Drug Charges
Taylor’s detention followed her arrest in connection with the government’s investigation into a massive cocaine seizure in the VOA community in Paynesville.
Authorities have valued the seized cocaine at more than US$317 million, making it one of the largest narcotics seizures in Liberia’s history.
The case has drawn significant public and political attention because of Taylor’s status as a former vice president and the identities of others named in the investigation.
The latest notice of assignment lists Taylor alongside Teras Zadereiko, alias Tony; Mitovil Vrovac, alias Michael; Nikola Ivancic, alias Sheikh; and others to be identified.
The charges listed include importation of controlled drugs, unlicensed exportation of controlled drugs and substances, abuse of office, illicit trafficking, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, and money laundering.
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, is listed as the plaintiff.
The matter is before Magistrate Barco at the Monrovia City Court at the Temple of Justice.
Taylor Denies Allegations
Taylor has denied the allegations against her, while her lawyers have continued to challenge aspects of the government’s handling of the case.
Her arrest and detention have also triggered political controversy, with supporters and opposition voices questioning the circumstances surrounding the case.
The government’s prosecution stems from the broader investigation into the cocaine shipment seized in Paynesville, which authorities say was linked to an international narcotics trafficking operation.
Health Now Central to Proceedings
Taylor’s medical condition has emerged as the latest hurdle in the case.
With the defense seeking her medical records and an independent evaluation by a doctor, including a possible cardiology assessment, the question of whether she is medically fit to participate in court proceedings is now likely to feature prominently when the case returns on September 4.
For now, the former vice president remains in custody as her lawyers work to establish the full state of her health before the preliminary examination proceeds.
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