In a major anti-narcotics operation that underscores Haiti’s growing role in combating international drug trafficking, Haitian authorities seized 1,045 kilograms of cocaine — valued at approximately $32 million on the U.S. street market — during a coordinated maritime operation off the northwes
t coast of Haiti on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
The operation took place near Île de la Tortue, a region long known for its proximity to key smuggling routes. According to the Haiti National Police (PNH), law enforcement officials intercepted two suspicious vessels, one of which managed to escape. The second, a blue-and-white boat powered by three engines, was halted and searched, revealing 40 packages of powder that tested positive for cocaine.
The situation escalated into a violent confrontation. In the ensuing firefight, three Jamaican nationals, including one identified as Antony Jimmy, were killed. One Bahamian national was arrested on-site. Unconfirmed reports from Bahamian authorities suggest that two additional Bahamians may have also been killed during the incident, although Haitian officials have not yet verified those claims.
Authorities are calling this the largest cocaine seizure in Haiti’s recent history, surpassing a previous bust in the Port-de-Paix region where 400 kilograms of cocaine were confiscated. This latest seizure not only represents a major disruption to Caribbean drug trafficking operations but has also reportedly become part of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) whistleblower complaint, alleging mishandling of related intelligence by DEA officials.
“This operation demonstrates the commitment of the Haiti National Police to combating the scourge of drug trafficking that threatens our communities and fuels violence across the region,” said a spokesperson from the Haitian Ministry of Justice. Officials further emphasized the international significance of the bust, noting that the drugs were destined for U.S. and possibly European markets.
Despite political instability and limited resources, Haiti continues to play a crucial role in the regional fight against drug trafficking. The northwest coast, due to its location near international waters, remains a vulnerable and strategic corridor for narcotics shipments originating in South America and headed to North America and Europe.
The operation has drawn international attention, both for its scale and for what it reveals about the transnational nature of the drug trade and the collaborative law enforcement efforts needed to disrupt it. Haitian authorities are continuing their
investigation, and further arrests may follow as regional partners, including the DEA, monitor developments closely.
Image courtesy: Haiti National Police
