Monrovia — A police investigator has testified in court about an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation in Liberia, telling the court that former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor was allegedly approached over a proposed protection arrangement and that discussions also involved an alleged plan targeting the administration of former President George Weah.
The testimony was given by Raphael Wilson, Acting Commissioner of Police for the Crimes Services Division, who said he supervised the investigative team that conducted the probe.
Wilson told the court that investigators traced the alleged network to meetings involving Liberians and foreign nationals in Dubai and Liberia, beginning around 2021.
According to his testimony, a Liberian identified as Sheikh Bashir Kanti met individuals in Dubai who expressed interest in returning to Liberia to resume business activities.
Wilson alleged that the individuals later disclosed plans to establish a cocaine-trafficking operation, with Liberia allegedly intended to serve as a transit point.
The witness further testified that the foreign nationals sought protection from a senior government official to facilitate their activities in Liberia.
According to Wilson, meetings were subsequently arranged in Liberia involving Bashir, the foreign nationals and individuals identified in the investigation as Tony and Maga.
He said investigators secretly recorded at least one of the meetings using cameras and written notes as part of their investigation.
Wilson testified that cocaine trafficking and the use of Liberia as a transit route were discussed during the meeting.
The witness further alleged that participants wanted assurances that their activities would receive protection from influential government officials.
According to Wilson, Jewel Howard-Taylor agreed to provide the requested protection but indicated that she would first return to Liberia and discuss the matter with her superior.
The testimony forms part of the prosecution’s effort to establish Howard-Taylor’s alleged connection to the broader investigation.
Alleged Political Plot
Wilson also testified about discussions that, according to the prosecution, involved an alleged plan directed against the government of former President George Weah.
The witness said the discussions surrounding the alleged protection arrangement were connected to a broader political plan involving senior political figures and an alleged attempt to undermine or overthrow the government.
However, Wilson’s testimony did not establish in court who allegedly initiated the plan, the specific actions contemplated or the precise role Howard-Taylor allegedly played.
Those matters remain subject to further evidence and examination by both the prosecution and defense.
Wilson said the alleged operation continued during the Weah administration and that investigators expanded their inquiry after some of the individuals involved returned to the region.
Foundation Mentioned in Testimony
The court also heard testimony concerning an alleged connection between some of the individuals under investigation and the Jewel Starfish Foundation, an organization associated with Howard-Taylor.
Wilson said one of the participants mentioned that Howard-Taylor operated the foundation.
The witness further testified that an individual identified as Nicholas expressed willingness to assist with the foundation.
The prosecution is presenting the alleged connection as part of the broader relationship it says existed between political figures and individuals under investigation.
US$45,000 Allegedly Delivered
Wilson also testified about an alleged cash delivery during one of the meetings.
According to the witness, a shopping bag was handed over during the meeting, and investigators later received information that approximately US$45,000 had been placed inside the bag.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged payment, including its intended recipient, purpose and connection to the alleged drug-trafficking operation, remain issues for the court to determine.
Investigation Continued After Weah Presidency
Wilson told the court that the investigation continued after the conclusion of the Weah administration in 2024.
He said investigators later determined that some of the individuals under investigation had returned to the region in 2025, prompting further investigative activity.
According to the witness, intelligence officers subsequently identified additional individuals allegedly connected to the investigation.
Wilson maintained that the investigation relied on intelligence gathering, recorded meetings and information obtained during the probe.
The testimony places several issues before the court, including the alleged cocaine-trafficking operation, claims of political protection, financial transactions and an alleged plan targeting the former Weah administration.
However, the allegations remain matters to be tested through evidence and cross-examination.
Howard-Taylor’s alleged involvement has not been established merely by Wilson’s testimony. She remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a competent court determines otherwise.
The defense is expected to challenge aspects of the investigation, including the credibility and interpretation of the witness’s account, the alleged recordings, meetings, financial transactions and claims concerning the political plan.
The court will ultimately determine whether the prosecution has produced sufficient admissible and credible evidence to establish the charges against Howard-Taylor and the other defendants.
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