US sanctions Haitian president for role in global drug trafficking

The Biden administration has sanctioned Haitian President Michel Martelly for his role in several drug smuggling networks that have expanded far beyond the Caribbean country’s border.

“Today, the United States is designating Haitian President Michel Martelly for his role in the global illicit drug trade,” State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a statement Tuesday.

“It is unacceptable for Haitian political and economic elites to plunder Haiti’s future,” Patel said. “Today’s action demonstrates the United States’ unwavering resolve to promote accountability for all individuals whose activities contribute to gang violence and destabilize the political environment in Haiti, regardless of their rank or stature.”

The State Department accused Martelly of abusing his influence to carry out drug trafficking and sponsoring multiple gangs based in Haiti.

“Martelly abused his influence to facilitate drug trafficking and has sponsored multiple Haiti-based gangs,” Patel said. “Narcotics trafficking and gang-related violence have contributed to political instability and insecurity in Haiti, which has created an untenable living situation for the Haitian people.”

Over the past several years, Haiti has fallen into chaos as criminal entities have taken over the capital, Port-au-Prince.

In March, the Dominican Republic announced plans to swiftly complete a 250-mile border wall along its shared boundary with Haiti on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, an attempt to protect the country from rampant crime.

Dominican President Luis Abinader surged soldiers and construction resources to seal off the border as conditions on the west side of the island have slid into a state of anarchy in recent weeks as gangs and warlords have further clenched control of Haiti.

Abinader said border security is of significant concern following the escape of more than 4,000 prisoners in Haiti as gangs attacked police stations to carry out the prison breaks in the spring months.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry was barred earlier this year from reentering the country after traveling to Kenya to negotiate outside support to help the government regain control. Gangs have overtaken the airport in Port-au-Prince.

Haiti has been in peril for more than a decade, having never recovered from the 2010 earthquake that claimed nearly 300,000 lives.

In 2021, then-Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated. Martine Moise, his widow, and Claude Joseph, a former prime minister, were accused earlier this year of being involved in the assassination plot.

The United Nations has estimated that 33,000 Haitians fled Port-au-Prince in a two-week period during April.

Countless Haitians have fled the island altogether and traveled to other countries in South America, Central America, Mexico, and the U.S. Since President Joe Biden took office, more than 200,000 Haitians have been encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border attempting to enter the U.S., according to federal data.

By sanctioning Martelly, the U.S. will impose penalties and other means of enforcement against him as an incentive for him to stop working with criminal organizations.