The United States has added two more Haitian politicians to its sanctions list, accusing them of engaging in illicit drug trafficking.
Sen. Rony Célestin and former Sen. Richard Lenine Hervé Fourcand, who last month were sanctioned by the Canadian government, are now among four current and former Haitian lawmakers designated by the U.S. Treasury Department as part of Washington and Canada’s efforts to crack down on gang violence and corruption in Haiti.
Célestin, 48, represents Haiti’s Central Plateau. His purchase of a $4.25 million luxury villa in Canada’s Laval community with his wife, a member of the country’s diplomatic corps, raised suspicion in Canada. Célestin has long been in the cross hairs of U.S. investigators over his wealth and business dealings.
