US sanctions ex-President Martelly of Haiti over drug connections

Michel Martelly has been accused by the US Treasury of abusing his position of authority to enable drug shipments intended for the US. This action is reminiscent of earlier ones made by Canada.
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Michel Martelly was accused of embezzlement while in office, the US says he was also involved in the drug trade

The US Treasury Department on Tuesday announced that it had sanctioned Michel Joseph Martelly, the former president of Haiti, on drug trafficking charges.
In a statement, the Treasury said Martelly, “abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States.”
According to US officials, Martelly supported gangs and engaged in money laundering while collaborating with drug traffickers in Haiti.
Bradley Smith, acting undersecretary of the US Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said, “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.”
He continued, “The United States is committed to disrupting those who facilitate the drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities fueling the horrific gang violence and political instability [in Haiti] along with our international partners.”
“Haitian political and economic elites should not be allowed to steal Haiti’s future,” stated Vedant Patel, a deputy spokesperson for the US State Department.

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