Investigation of northwest police’s alleged involvement in drug scandal remains opaque 

PORT-DE-PAIX — In a press briefing held on Aug. 16, Michel-Ange Louis Jeune, spokesperson for the Haitian National Police (PNH), disclosed troubling developments in an ongoing drug trafficking scandal involving at least six police officers in the Northwest department, particularly in Port-de-Paix, the capital city. Despite the announcement of an investigation nearly a month ago, questions remain regarding its transparency and effectiveness.

The scandal erupted when authorities discovered the transit of 130 kilograms of cocaine through the northwest, specifically in coastal areas between Saint-Louis du Nord and Port-de-Paix. Four police officers from the Intervention Brigade (BI), including regional Inspector Maxonel Déus and divisional Commissioner Léonel Joseph, have been arrested. Meanwhile, two other officers—Berguy Gédéon, also known as Kiki, and an officer referred to as Fedner—have fled the country, prompting Interpol to issue a wanted notice for their arrest.

“The high command of the PNH promptly initiated an investigation following revelations about the drug scandal in the Northwest department,” Louis Jeune told reporters. “Currently, a general inspection delegation is active in the region alongside a team from the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ). This delegation is tasked with conducting administrative and judicial investigations, including questioning various individuals connected to the case,” he said.

Concerns over procedures

Procedural irregularities reportedly led to Déus and Joseph’s arrests. According to police authorities, two officers from the BI unit requested irregular vacation for 18 days, which Déus granted without notifying the departmental director of the PNH, Clevens Cétoute. This breach in protocol has been cited as a basis for their arrests without other specific details, further contributing to diminishing public confidence in the investigation.

The lack of transparency has left many in the community questioning the police’s accountability. “The police’s inability to provide clear updates on the investigation has only fueled existing public distrust,” a Port-de-Paix resident said.

Many are skeptical about the investigation’s outcomes, with some believing that only low-ranking officers may face the consequences while higher-ups remain untouched. The investigation’s opacity follows the pattern of many past investigations, some say, perpetuating the cycle of corruption and impunity in the country.

“As is customary in these cases, those who suffer the first arrests may end up being the only victims while the principal figures involved may be working free,” said a resident requesting anonymity over security concerns.

Another resident added, “The justice authorities must work diligently on this case to eradicate drug trafficking in our community. The lack of transparency in the investigation and the apparent reluctance to hold top officials and well-connected people accountable have led to widespread distrust.”

Moreover, locals are raising concerns about Cétoute’s involvement in the scandal. Allegations suggest that he may know of the wrongdoing inside the law enforcement institution but has not done anything to combat it.

Some residents claim that Déus and Joseph are innocent, believing that the arrests are part of a plan to give cover to the actual drug dealers in the city.

A few people have attempted to organize a protest to demand the release of the police inspector and commissioner. Still, the departmental director has prohibited such an initiative, further fueling suspicion about his role in the investigation.

Observers say the PNH must address these concerns and provide clear updates as the scandal unfolds to facilitate public confidence in law enforcement.

Broader implications

This scandal is not an isolated incident. Drug trafficking issues have plagued Haiti for years, with similar cases occurring in the past. The recurring nature of these scandals suggests a need for systemic reform and greater transparency in police operations to gain public trust.

In addition to the Port-de-Paix case, the police have recently seized drugs in other regions, including a marijuana field in the Southeast department and a boat carrying cocaine and marijuana in the Nippes department, according to Louis Jeune. These incidents further illustrate the widespread nature of drug trafficking in Haiti and the urgent need for effective and transparent law enforcement strategies.

Historical patterns reveal that scandals involving police officers have recurred over the years. A notable case in 2008 involved multiple police authorities and civilians in Port-de-Paix, leading to several arrests, including that of Alain Désir, the drug owner at the time.

In a related incident, authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands intercepted approximately 15 Haitian migrants and a significant quantity of marijuana valued at around $132,000 during an operation on Aug. 16. Within a couple of days later, three additional boats were discovered carrying 212 migrants, along with illegal drugs estimated to be worth about $2.8 million, reported the Miami Herald.

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Investigation of northwest police’s alleged involvement in drug scandal remains opaque  was first posted on September 11, 2024 at 8:54 am.