A Smuggler's Paradise: How U.S. Guns Find Their Way to Haiti

In a shocking chain of events, weapons from the U.S. are making their way to the gang-infested streets of Haiti, creating chaos on this Caribbean island. Recently, a shipment containing 12 assault rifles, 14 handguns, and nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition was discovered hidden in two cardboard boxes among food items on a cargo ship.

Trace of the Illicit Shipment

The shipment originated from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, traveling almost 1,200 kilometers to Cap-Haitien, Haiti. Despite U.S. laws intended to regulate firearm sales, experts describe the country as a "supermarket" for arms traffickers. The boxes were reportedly sent by a man named Anestin Predestin, who unwittingly leased space to a person claiming the boxes contained clothing.

A Lax Legal Framework

Until recently, unlicensed private sellers in states like Florida could sell weapons without background checks, opening the floodgates for illegal arms sales. According to a UN panel, two Haitian brothers in the U.S. employed "straw buyers" to acquire these firearms, a common trafficking tactic known as "ant trafficking." This method facilitates the shipping of guns in smaller, less suspicious quantities.

Failure in Customs Checks

As the shipment departed the U.S., questions arose regarding the lack of inspections. Although U.S. Customs has increased inspections, reports indicate that most of the 200 weekly shipments from Florida to Haiti go unchecked. "Checks are very scattershot," stated Bill Kullman, a former ATF official, revealing the vastness of unchecked cargo movements.

The Fallout in Haiti: Chaos Reigns Supreme

Haitian police uncovered the weapons during a targeted search, leading to the arrest of a senior customs official tied to the shipment. Violence has spiraled in Haiti, with gangs now controlling around 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. In a recent wave of gang violence, over 5,600 people were killed in 2024 alone, driving more than a million citizens from their homes.

A Growing Crisis: The Gangs' Grasp

As gangs dominate territories, the fear among citizens escalates. They are not just armed; they flaunt their firepower on social media, showcasing high-caliber weapons, many traced back to U.S. manufacturers. Experts warn that such trafficking is a significant contributor to violence and instability in Haiti.

Investigating the Trafficking Network

The BBC's investigation into shipment data revealed that 286 shipments were consigned to individuals later sanctioned for gang connections. Among them was Prophane Victor, a former member of Haiti’s parliament, demonstrating the deep-rooted connections between political figures and arms trafficking.

Call for Action: Can the Flow Be Stopped?

Experts assert that U.S. authorities are failing to adequately address the illicit flow of arms. Recommendations include a voluntary code of conduct for gun dealers and broader gun registration laws. With international scrutiny increasing, action is necessary to combat this escalating crisis, but tangible efforts remain alarmingly absent.