In 1996, the U.S. Customs Service conducted a smuggling investigation involving stolen vehicle exportation from South Florida. The investigation identified a smart and successful Haitian outbound and inbound smuggling organization. The smugglers utilized scores of stolen sport utility vehicles that were exported to Haiti and traded for cocaine; the small and poor nation was a very active transshipment country. The cocaine was later smuggled into the United States concealed within coastal freighters via the Miami River. Through a clever financing method, they made massive profits with the limited requirement for the movement of cash. The use and transfer of large quantities of currency increased the opportunity for violence, theft or seizure. These suspects utilized stolen vehicles as the currency to reduce their exposure and made enormous profits.
The leader of the smuggling organization was reportedly a former Haitian police officer and prison escapee; he was thought to be a former member of the greatly feared Tonton Macoute. This talented and experienced criminal was arrested under several names in the United States and Canada and played the systems well. He remains a fugitive today for stolen vehicle and false passport charges, with an eight-year prison sentence waiting for him in Florida.
This short story shares an interesting tale of the fugitive’s activities. The search to find him continues today (if he is still alive).
Please read, share and enjoy this old school smuggling short story.
