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 LETS U.S. GO AFTER DRUGS

Ships, Planes To Go Along Coast, In Air

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 more
than 65 metric tons of cocaine a year gets dropped in Haiti from
go-fast boats or airplanes before it is re-packaged and 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. Over 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. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake