U.S. joins Canada in sanctioning former Haitian president for drug trade involvement

The Treasury Department on Tuesday announced sanctions against former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly.

The sanctions aim to counter drug trafficking "fueling the horrific gang violence and political instability" in Haiti, according to a department press release. "Martelly abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States."

The release also says Martelly "engaged in the laundering of illicit drug proceeds, worked with Haitian drug traffickers, and sponsored multiple Haiti-based gangs."

The sanctions provide that

(1) U.S. financial institutions are prohibited from making loans or providing credit to Martelly;

(2) Any transactions in foreign exchange that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and in which Martelly has any interest are prohibited; and

(3) U.S. persons are prohibited from investing in or purchasing significant amounts of equity or debt instruments of Martelly. 

The sanctions join those Canada imposed against Martelly in 2022 over alleged human rights violations and support for criminal gangs.