US sanctions former Haitian President Michel Martelly for drug trafficking

The U.S. Treasury Department has announced sanctions against former Haitian President Michel Martelly, accusing him of facilitating the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States.

The sanctions, unveiled on Tuesday, are part of broader efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Haiti, where gang violence and political instability have severely impacted the nation.

Martelly, who served as president of Haiti from 2011 to 2016, “abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States. Additionally, Martelly engaged in the laundering of illicit drug proceeds, worked with Haitian drug traffickers, and sponsored multiple Haiti-based gangs,” according to the Treasury’s statement.

“Haiti’s challenges have been exacerbated by the actions of corrupt political elites like Martelly, who have contributed to the country’s destabilization,” said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.