US, Canada Sanction Haitian Politicians for Drug Trafficking
The U.S. and Canada designated two Haitian nationals for their connection to illicit narcotics trafficking, the countries said Nov. 4. The two designees are Joseph Lambert, the sitting president of the Haitian Senate who has held political positions in Haiti for 20 years, and Youri Latortue, a former Haitian senator and a longtime politician.
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Lambert has a 20-year history with drug trafficking, the Office of Foreign Assets Control said, and has used his position to lead and facilitate the trafficking of cocaine from Colombia to Haiti and to "facilitate" other narcotics traffickers. "His drug trafficking, corrupt tactics, and continued disregard for the rule of law have contributed to the continued destabilization of Haiti," OFAC said in a Nov. 4 press release. Latortue also has "engaged in the trafficking" of cocaine from Colombia to Haiti and has "directed others to engage in violence on his behalf," OFAC said.
“Joseph Lambert and Youri Latortue have abused their official positions to traffic drugs and collaborated with criminal and gang networks to undermine the rule of law in Haiti,” said Brian Nelson, Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. "The United States and our international partners will continue to take action against those who facilitate drug trafficking, enable corruption, and seek to profit from instability in Haiti.” Mélanie Joly, Canada's foreign affairs minister, said the country is "putting pressure on these individuals to force them to end their senseless violence."