Overview:
Brokers from the Haitian police particular unit Brigade for the Combat towards Drug Trafficking (BLTS) seized greater than $100,000 at Hugo Chavez Cap-Haitien Worldwide Airport from a Bahamasair flight arriving from Nassau on March 1. Two suspects had been arrested, however the flight attendant who allegedly handed over the bag of cash fled again to Nassau earlier than authorities may detain her.
CAP-HAÏTIEN, Haiti — Brokers from Haiti’s Brigade for the Combat towards Drug Trafficking (BLTS) intercepted greater than $100,000 at Hugo Chavez Cap-Haïtien Worldwide Airport from a Bahamasair flight on March 1, a supply accustomed to the case informed The Haitian Instances.
Police apprehended a Haitian man and girl, Lucken Clervilus and Erilène Bernadin, as suspects related to the case. Nonetheless, the flight attendant who allegedly handed Clervilus the bag of money prevented arrest by rapidly boarding the return flight to Nassau earlier than investigators may detain her, in line with a supply who spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of they weren’t approved by their employer to debate the matter publicly.
Authorities haven’t disclosed the flight attendant’s identification, and her whereabouts stay unknown. The Haitian Nationwide Police (PNH) have but to touch upon the case, however Arold Jean, the spokesperson for the Northern Division, stated he plans to carry a press convention and supply the small print on March 5.
Bahamasair, an airline wholly owned by the Bahamian authorities, operates flights between Nassau and Cap-Haïtien. In accordance with sources at Hugo Chavez Worldwide Airport, the money seized by the PNH particular brokers originated from Nassau.
Bahamasair’s supervisor in Cap-Haïtien denied The Haitian Instances’ request for an interview.
Ongoing safety crackdown at Cap-Haïtien airport
Police have lately intensified safety at Cap-Haïtien’s airport following studies of pretend visas, counterfeit tickets and different fraudulent actions. The newest arrests convey the whole variety of detentions on the airport to not less than 5 up to now week.
On Feb. 23, authorities arrested Cald Philippe, an immigration agent accused of creating a lady pay for a ticket to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, with a faux visa. That very same day, police additionally detained an unidentified suspect for allegedly taking a photograph of an immigration officer on obligation and sending it to gang members.
On Feb. 22, police arrested Kenelson Viléus for allegedly promoting counterfeit airplane tickets. Viléus denied the accusations, in line with native journalist Gérard Maxineau.
Authorities proceed to research the cash laundering case and broader safety issues on the Cap-Haïtien airport, which has been the one facility working for industrial flights to and from the USA since Nov. 12, 2024.
Haiti’s largest worldwide airport, Toussaint Louverture Worldwide Airport in Port-au-Prince, has been banned by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after gangs opened hearth on three U.S.-based carriers, together with Spirit Airways, American Airways and JetBlue Airways.
Editor’s Be aware: It is a growing story. Keep tuned for updates as extra data turns into accessible.