{"id":2327538,"date":"2024-08-20T13:10:02","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T17:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/us-sanctions-haitian-president-for-drug-smuggling-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-08-20T13:16:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-20T17:16:07","slug":"us-sanctions-haitian-president-for-drug-smuggling-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/us-sanctions-haitian-president-for-drug-smuggling-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"US sanctions Haitian president for drug smuggling &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fus-sanctions-haitian-president-for-drug-smuggling-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2327538&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The Biden administration has imposed\u2063 sanctions on Haitian President Michel Martelly due\u200b to his involvement \u2064in global drug trafficking networks \u200bthat extend beyond Haiti&#8217;s borders. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel stated that such actions reflect the U.S.&#8217;s commitment to\u2064 holding accountable those who contribute to gang\u2062 violence and political instability \u200cin Haiti. The accusations against Martelly include leveraging his influence to support drug \u2062trafficking and sponsor gangs,\u200c actions\u200b that have\u2064 exacerbated the country&#8217;s ongoing crisis marked by increasing lawlessness \u200band poverty. <\/p>\n<p>Haiti\u200c has experienced \u2062significant turmoil, particularly in its \u2063capital, Port-au-Prince, \u2063as criminal organizations have taken control. In response to\u2063 deteriorating conditions, the Dominican Republic is constructing a border wall to curb crime spilling over from \u2064Haiti. Tensions in Haiti have escalated with the recent\u200c escape of thousands of prisoners and the increased power of gangs. The situation is dire, further complicated by the 2010 earthquake&#8217;s aftermath and the assassination of former President Jovenel \u2062Moise in 2021. The unrest has led \u2063to significant humanitarian concerns, with many fleeing from gang violence.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">US sanctions Haitian president for role in global drug trafficking<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1728843\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The Biden administration has sanctioned <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/haiti\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Haitian<\/a> President Michel Martelly for his role in several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/drug-cartels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>drug smuggling<\/a> networks that have expanded far beyond the Caribbean country&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/border\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>border<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Today, the United States is designating Haitian President Michel Martelly for his role in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-fentanyl-crisis-is-destroying-our-country-and-our-leaders-couldnt-care-less\/\" title=\"Fentanyl crisis ravages our nation, leaders remain indifferent\">global illicit drug trade<\/a>,&rdquo; State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a statement Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It is unacceptable for Haitian political and economic elites to plunder Haiti&rsquo;s future,&rdquo; Patel said. &ldquo;Today&rsquo;s action demonstrates the United States&rsquo; 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.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Haitian President Michel Martelly listens during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo\/Steffi Loos)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The State Department accused Martelly of abusing his influence to carry out drug trafficking and sponsoring multiple gangs based in Haiti.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Martelly abused his influence to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mccarthy-endorses-designating-cartels-as-terrorists-using-military-at-southern-border\/\" title=\"McCarthy Endorses Designating Cartels as Terrorists, Using Military at Southern Border\">facilitate drug trafficking<\/a> and has sponsored multiple Haiti-based gangs,&rdquo; Patel said. &ldquo;Narcotics trafficking and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/white-house-press-secy-psaki-comments-on-assassination-of-haitian-president\/\" title=\"White House Press Secy. Psaki comments on assassination of Haitian president\">gang-related violence<\/a> have contributed to political instability and insecurity in Haiti, which has created an untenable living situation for the Haitian people.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Over the past several years, Haiti has fallen into chaos as criminal entities have taken over the capital, Port-au-Prince.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People walk past a pile of garbage on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in the Petion-Ville neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo\/Odelyn Joseph)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In March, the&nbsp;Dominican Republic&nbsp;announced plans to swiftly complete a 250-mile&nbsp;border wall&nbsp;along its shared boundary with Haiti on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, an attempt to protect the country from rampant crime.<\/p>\n<p>Dominican President Luis Abinader surged soldiers and construction resources to seal off the border as conditions on the west side of the island have slid into a state of anarchy in recent weeks as gangs and warlords have further clenched control of&nbsp;Haiti.<\/p>\n<p>Abinader said border security is of significant concern following the escape of more than 4,000 prisoners in Haiti as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/dominican-republic-building-250-mile-border-barrier-to-wall-off-haiti-amid-takeover-by-gangs\/\" title=\"Dominican Republic constructing 250-mile border barrier to separate from Haiti amidst gang infiltration\">gangs attacked police stations<\/a> to carry out the prison breaks in the spring months.<\/p>\n<p>Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry was barred earlier this year from reentering the country after traveling to Kenya to negotiate outside support to help the government regain control. Gangs have overtaken the airport in Port-au-Prince.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.snipdaily.com\/list\/best-2000s-movies\/?utm_source=house-ads&amp;utm_medium=rss-widget&amp;utm_content=rss-widget&amp;utm_term=&amp;utm_campaign=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Haiti has been in peril for more than a decade, having never recovered from the 2010 earthquake that claimed nearly 300,000 lives.<\/p>\n<p>In 2021, then-Haitian President Jovenel Moise was&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/762465\/haitian-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">assassinated<\/a>. Martine Moise, his widow, and Claude Joseph, a former prime minister, were&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/02\/19\/world\/americas\/haiti-assassinated-president-wife-accused.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accused<\/a> earlier this year of being involved in the assassination plot.<\/p>\n<p>The United Nations has estimated that&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/world\/over-33000-have-fled-gangs-13-day-rampage-through-haitis-capital-report-says#:~:text=PORT%2DAU%2DPRINCE%2C%20Haiti,s%20International%20Organization%20for%20Migration.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">33,000<\/a>&nbsp;Haitians fled Port-au-Prince in a two-week period during April.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A masked demonstrator walks past a burning roadblock placed by protesters demanding that the police and the prime minister take immediate action against gangs on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo\/Odelyn Joseph)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Countless Haitians have fled the island altogether and traveled to other countries in South America, Central America, Mexico, and the U.S. Since President Joe Biden took office, more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbp.gov\/newsroom\/stats\/nationwide-encounters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">200,000<\/a>&nbsp;Haitians have been encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border attempting to enter the U.S., according to federal data.<\/p>\n<p>By sanctioning Martelly, the U.S. will impose penalties and other means of enforcement against him as an incentive for him to stop working with criminal organizations.<\/p>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1728843\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1728843\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on Haitian President Michel Martelly due to his involvement in various drug trafficking networks that extend well beyond Haiti&#8217;s borders. State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel announced the designation, stating, &#8220;It is unacceptable for Haitian political and economic elites to plunder Haiti\u2019s future.&#8221; He emphasized that this action reflects the U.S.&#8217;s commitment to holding accountable those whose actions contribute to gang violence and political instability in Haiti, regardless of their position.<\/p>\n<p>The State Department accused Martelly of exploiting his power to facilitate drug trafficking and support numerous gangs operating in Haiti. Patel noted that narcotics trafficking and gang-related violence have led to significant political instability and insecurity, creating dire living conditions for the Haitian populace.<\/p>\n<p>Haiti has descended into chaos over recent years as criminal groups have taken control of Port-au-Prince. In response, the Dominican Republic has initiated plans to rapidly construct a 250-mile border wall with Haiti as a measure against escalating crime. Dominican President Luis Abinader has deployed soldiers and resources for this effort amid increasing anarchy in western Hispaniola due to gang dominance.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this year, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry was prevented from returning home after seeking international assistance in Kenya. Gangs have also seized control of Port-au-Prince&#8217;s airport. The country has faced turmoil since the devastating 2010 earthquake that resulted in nearly 300,000 deaths; it further destabilized following the assassination of then-President Jovenel Moise in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>In April alone, an estimated 33,000 Haitians fled Port-au-Prince due to escalating violence. Many Haitians are now seeking refuge elsewhere across South America, Central America, Mexico, and the United States; over 200,000 have attempted entry at the U.S.-Mexico border since President Biden took office. The sanctions against Martelly will involve penalties aimed at discouraging his collaboration with criminal organizations<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2655,"featured_media":2327539,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/sanctioned-haiti-martelly.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[38683,38682,5894,36614,32076],"class_list":["post-2327538","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-drug-smuggling","tag-haitian-president","tag-politics","tag-us-sanctions","tag-washington-examiner"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/sanctioned-haiti-martelly.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327538","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2655"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2327538"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327538\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2327539"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2327538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2327538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2327538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}