BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE United States has imposed sanctions on former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly for allegedly abusing his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the U.S.
The decision, announced today by the U.S. Treasury Department, highlights Martelly’s involvement in drug trafficking activities that have contributed to the destabilization of Haiti, exacerbating the current crisis in the French-speaking Caribbean nation.
Martelly, who previously faced similar sanctions by the Canadian government in 2022, has once again come under international scrutiny.
Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “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. 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 Treasury Department noted that the pervasive gang activity and human rights abuses in Haiti have created an environment conducive to drug trafficking, making the country a key transit point for illicit drugs entering the United States.
“Many of Haiti’s political and business elites have long been involved in drug trafficking and have been linked to the gangs responsible for the violence that has destabilized Haiti. The United States is committed to promoting accountability and charting a more prosperous, democratic, and secure future for all Haitians," the Department said in a media statement.
Martelly, who served as Haiti’s President from May 2011 to February 2016, is accused of abusing his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, laundering illicit drug proceeds, collaborating with Haitian drug traffickers, and sponsoring multiple Haiti-based gangs.
The U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions against Martelly were imposed under Executive Order 14059, which targets those involved in the international proliferation of illicit drugs. As a result of these sanctions, Martelly has been added to the Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions List (NS-MBS List), and several prohibitions related to his activities are now in effect.
