US Sanctions Former Haitian President Martelly for Drug Trafficking Allegations

Due to allegations of drug trafficking, the US has sanctioned former Haitian President Martelly.

Michel Martelly, the former president of Haiti, is the target of sanctions from the United States, which claim he is heavily involved in narcotics trafficking and fuels the country’s continued bloodshed and instability. According to the US Treasury Department, Martelly laundered the proceeds from these illicit enterprises and used his connections to help get drugs into the country. He is also charged of aiding gangs that have ravaged the country and collaborating closely with cocaine dealers in Haiti.

Following their announcement on Tuesday, US individuals and institutions are prohibited from transacting financially with Martelly. Bradley Smith, the Treasury’s Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, highlighted how corrupt political elites such as Martelly are responsible for the ongoing disaster in Haiti.

The Canadian government had already imposed sanctions on Martelly, the president from 2011 to 2016, for allegedly shielding illegal gang activity in November 2022. Alongside former prime minister Laurent Lamothe and other prominent politicians charged with similar offenses, he becomes the latest addition to the increasing list of Haitian elites subject to US sanctions.

This most recent action by the US demonstrates its determination to hold everyone responsible for gang violence and political unrest in Haiti, regardless of their status or power.

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