US sanctions ex-Haitian president for drug trafficking

The Biden administration on Tuesday issued sanctions against former Haitian President Michel Martelly for his role in drug trafficking and his sponsorship of multiple Haiti-based gangs. 

The Treasury Department said Martelly abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, to the United States. Martelly laundered funds from the illegal drug trade, worked with Haitian drug traffickers and sponsored multiple gangs, the department said.

The sanctions block U.S. financial institutions and citizens from engaging in monetary transactions with Martelly.

The former Haitian president also has an outstanding arrest warrant issued by a Haitian judge in January, part of a broader case accusing more than 30 high-ranking officials of corruption. 

Martelly, also a musical performer who goes by the stage name Sweet Micky, reportedly held a surprise performance in Miami in January, a controversial appearance that has spurred a petition to block his appearance at a Labor Day festival in New York. 

“Today’s action against Martelly emphasizes the significant and destabilizing role he and other corrupt political elites have played in perpetuating the ongoing crisis in Haiti,” said Bradley T. Smith, acting Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. 

“The United States, along with our international partners, is committed to disrupting those who facilitate the drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities fueling the horrific gang violence and political instability.”

The sanctions touch on the widespread challenge for the international community in trying to address crime and violence plaguing Haiti. An internationally backed Kenyan police force has yet to make significant security gains against armed gangs over two months of deployment in Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince. 

“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,” State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a statement.  

“It is unacceptable for Haitian political and economic elites to plunder Haiti’s future. 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.”