Pubdate: Sat, 13 Jan 2001
Source: Miami Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2001 The Miami Herald
Contact:  One Herald Plaza, Miami FL 33132-1693
Fax: (305) 376-8950
Website: http://www.herald.com/
Forum: http://krwebx.infi.net/webxmulti/cgi-bin/WebX?mherald
Author: Yves Colon

HAITI OPENS UP TO U.S. DRUG WAR

SHIPS, PLANES OKD TO SEIZE SMUGGLERS

In a decision quickly welcomed by U.S. officials, Haiti has agreed to allow 
U.S. ships and planes to enter its unguarded coastline and airspace to 
intercept Colombian vessels preparing to unload cocaine destined for South 
Florida.

The move is supported by president-elect Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who 
pledged to put into effect an agreement that was signed by the United 
States and Haiti three years ago but not ratified by Haiti's parliament 
until last month.

Aristide plans to take the battle against traffickers another step as well, 
officials said, by pushing legislators of his Lavalas Family party to 
approve two other proposals that would make it more difficult for 
traffickers to use Haiti as a springboard for drugs moving into this country.

Officials at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy say the 
bills before Haiti's parliament are a good sign, but caution that the 
ultimate proof will be whether Haiti carries out its declared intentions.

``We're encouraged they're moving forward with the ratification process,'' 
said Jennifer de Vallance, a spokeswoman for the agency. ``The legislation 
is an excellent step. We expect them to follow up.''

Haiti's popularity with Colombian cocaine traffickers is the result of 
several factors: geography, the absence of effective law enforcement, and 
the eagerness of officials seeking bribes.

The cocaine enters Haiti along some 800 miles of unguarded coastline, 
mostly on the Caribbean Sea and directly facing Colombia.

The White House Office on National Drug Control Policy estimates that more 
than 65 metric tons of cocaine a year is dropped in Haiti from boats or 
airplanes before it is shipped to Florida through couriers or on freighters 
that dock on the Miami River.

Because no agreement has been in effect, U.S. Coast Guard ships and 
airplanes tracking cocaine vessels customarily abandon the chase as soon as 
they enter Haitian waters.

In a letter to President Clinton earlier this month, Aristide agreed to 
``enhance substantially cooperation.''

Among other things, U.S. officers will be allowed to search ships and 
people on board, as well as inspect documents.

``We're giving ourselves the instruments we need to fight the networks of 
drug dealers we have corrupting this country,'' said Justice Minister 
Camille Leblanc.

One piece of legislation before the parliament concerns money laundering, a 
booming business in Haiti, where there is little banking oversight.

In the past few years, several new banks have opened and agencies 
transferring money to Colombia have proliferated.

During the past decade, while Haiti's economy has been on life support, 
construction of luxury homes on the hillsides has mushroomed.

Much of the money comes from the United States, where the drug is sold.

Last week, U.S. Customs officials found $2 million on a ship that was about 
to leave the Miami River for Haiti.

It was loaded with used bicycles, bedding and furniture -- and a stash of 
money hidden inside three plastic boxes.

Customs agents say some Haitian boats come up the Miami River with no legal 
cargo whatsoever, and leave with merchandise of little value.

The booty, they say, is the cocaine they bring in and the cash they leave with.

Once the proposed legislation is enacted, according to Leblanc, banks will 
be required to ask depositors of more than $3,000 to file a form that would 
slow down considerably the transfer of cash from Haiti, either to Colombia 
or offshore institutions.

Banks will be forced to open their books once they suspect one of their 
clients in involved in the drug trade, Leblanc said.

Leblanc said Haiti also plans to set harsher penalties, making it easier to 
extradite traffickers wanted by U.S. authorities for trial.

The bill also sets a minimum sentence of 10 years and seizure of all 
property once someone is convicted of trafficking.

He said Haiti will set up a national commission to plan the fight against 
drugs.

``These documents are strong enough to show everyone that we're serious and 
that the consequences are very high,'' Leblanc said. ``Prison here is not 
sweet. We can only afford to feed our prisoners 1,300 calories per day, 
while someone needs 2,000 a day. When you get into jail here... you don't 
know how you're going to come out.''

About 50 Colombians, along with dozens of Haitians, are being held in Haiti 
for drug trafficking.

Several of the Colombians have recently died in jail.

Yvon Neptune, president of Haiti's senate and a spokesman for Lavalas 
Party, said his colleagues will likely vote on the bills at the end of the 
month.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D