“Madam Taylor suddenly suffered from high blood pressure to the extent that her personal medics were called in at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police in Monrovia to provide emergency treatment,” –an insider from her legal team.
Being reportedly pressurized by security investigation in connection to the US317 million cocaine deal, Jewel Howard-Taylor nearly felt-off on Thursday, August 20, when she was due to make her firs court appearance.
Madam Taylor suddenly suffered from high blood pressure to the extent that her personal medics were called in for emergency treatment at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police (LNP) on Capitol Hill in Monrovia.
Her ailing condition remained unstable when this newspaper went to press late last night.
Madam Tarylor served as vice president for the erstwhile regime headed by George Weah (2018-2024).
She failed to appear before the Monrovia City Court after reportedly suffering from high blood pressure while in police custody.
Her ailing condition has delayed the commencement of proceedings in a high-profile US$317 million narcotics case that has attracted national, and international attention.
Court sources said, Madam Taylor was expected to be forwarded to court on August 20, following her arrest on Wednesday, and formally charged by the government through the office of the attorney-general.
However, her appearance was postponed after medical concerns reportedly arose regarding her health.
Authorities have not officially disclosed the severity of her condition, but sources familiar with the matter indicated that she was receiving medical attention, and was being monitored by healthcare professionals before any decision was made regarding her court appearance.
The Ministry of Justice charged Howard-Taylor on Wednesday with several drug trafficking, money laundering, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, and the unlicensed importation of controlled substances as part of an investigation into transnational narcotics network.
Madam Taylor was intercepted at the Roberts International Airport, Lower Margibi County, while she attempted to leave the country to Accra Ghana. She was subsequently taken into LNP custody.
Madam Taylor is among several individuals accused in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have also charged three foreign nationals in absentia, and say, efforts are underway to secure their arrests through domestic, and international legal channels.
Howard-Taylor’s legal team has yet to publicly comment on the reported health complications, though lawyers are expected to seek access to their client as legal proceedings move forward.
The case comes amid intensified anti-narcotics operations by Liberian authorities following recent major drug seizures that have drawn attention to the country’s growing role as a transit point in international drug trafficking networks.
Court officials have not announced a new date for Howard-Taylor’s appearance, but legal observers expect the matter to proceed once medical authorities determine that she is fit to attend court.
The case remains under active investigation.
