Gang violence is on the rise in Haiti, throwing the country into chaos, and Florida guns may be helping destabilize the country even more. According to U.S. investigators, there is an increase in the amount and caliber of weapons being smuggled from Florida to Haiti in recent months.

The Miami Homeland Security Investigations office chief Anthony Salisbury reported that agents are increasing their efforts to stop the trafficking of weapons into Haiti. He noted the uptick in gang violence in the country, which has so far overwhelmed the country's police force and forced people to flee and illegally migrate to the U.S.

The agency is also continuing to seize weapons across Florida. Among the weapons they seized that were supposed to be smuggled into Haiti is a .50 caliber sniper rifle, a military-grade weapon. Officials displayed the weapons for the media to see, including the sniper rifle, according to KTAR News.

Haiti's Political Elite May Be Helping Gangs Get Weapons

During the press conference, Salisbury said smuggling these high-powered weapons is "incredibly disturbing." He added that in the wrong hands, these firearms are "capable of causing a vast amount of destruction."

As to who is smuggling these weapons and distributing them to the violent gangs vying for supremacy in Haiti, authorities acknowledged that it may have been the country's own political business elite, according to a report by WLRN. These politicians and businessmen often use these gangs as enforcers, and they sell the guns directly to them.

Salisbury stressed that the weapons mainly came from Florida, as the state is the key source for the weapons being smuggled to Haiti, as some of the high-profile cases being handled by the agency involved guns purchased in Florida.

The Homeland Security agent also asked the public for help. He said that the government also needs the help of the private sector, shipping companies, and freight forwarders.

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Gang Violence in Haiti Helping Fuel Migrant Crisis

Haiti descended into chaos after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. In his stead, Prime Minister Ariel Henry governed by decree but without a constitutional mandate. Human Rights Watch noted that parliament has ceased to function, while the country's justice system barely functions, and is under attack from gangs emboldened by the chaos resulting from the president's assassination.

The lack of security in the country, made worse by increasing gang violence, has forced many to flee the country, often relying on smugglers and their unstable and unsafe seafaring vessels to take them to the Bahamas before heading to Florida.

The rough seas in the Caribbean often make the journey perilous, as the coast guard of various countries, including the Bahamas and the United States, often rescue migrants whose boats have turned over. Often, these unsafe vessels pack hundreds of migrants, with many drowning as a result of these vessels overturning due to the rough seas.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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