The United States imposes penalties on ex-Haitian President Martelly due to accusations of drug smuggling involvement
The United States Treasury Department suggests that Martelly misused his power to facilitate the smuggling of narcotics into the USA. Furthermore, they charge him with laundering funds obtained from illicit drug sales, collaborating with Haitian drug traffickers, and supporting various criminal gangs within Haiti.
The financial restrictions enforced on Martelly as of Tuesday prohibit U.S. entities and individuals from participating in any financial transactions with him.
Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the Treasury, Bradley Smith, commented, stating, "Today's action against Martelly highlights the influential and destabilizing role played by him and other corrupt political figures in perpetuating Haiti's ongoing crisis."
The U.S. Department of State's spokesperson, Vedant Patel, explained that this action was taken to demonstrate the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to holding accountable anyone whose activities foster gang violence and disrupt political stability within Haiti, regardless of their position or influence.
Previously, Martelly was sanctioned by Canada on November 17, 2022, due to suspicions of protecting or sponsoring criminal organizations.
CNN has attempted to receive Martelly's response concerning the latest sanctions.
Martelly becomes the most recent Haitian government official to face U.S. sanctions in recent times.
In June 2023, the U.S. imposed sanctions on former Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe for allegedly mishandling tens of millions of dollars, which he denied. In November 2022, the Treasury also enforced sanctions against the then-President of the Haitian Senate, Joseph Lambert, and former Haitian Senator Youri Latortue, accusing them of drug trafficking. Latortue strongly denied these accusations. Lambert did not respond to CNN's request for comment at the time.
Given the ongoing issues with corruption and drug trafficking in Haiti, the World Bank has expressed concern about the impact of these actions on the stability and development of the Americas as a whole. Furthermore, many leaders in the Americas have called for a collective effort to address these issues and restore peace and order in Haiti.
