American national arrested in Haiti with AR-15 and tactical gear

An American national, identified as Claudin Sainvilus, was arrested at the Cap-Haïtien International Airport on Saturday, September 19, 2026, upon arrival from a flight from the United States.

During a customs and police inspection of his luggage, authorities discovered an AR-15 rifle with 5.56 mm caliber magazines, along with extensive tactical and military gear. The seized items included ballistic vests and plates, helmets, tactical uniforms, boots, balaclavas, night vision equipment, gas masks, mine detectors, and various security accessories. Additionally, a substance identified as marijuana was reportedly found in a supplement container.

The operation involved multiple units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) in the North Department, including the Departmental Judicial Police Service (SDPJ) and the Departmental Order Maintenance Unit (UDMO). Officials Ernst Dorfeuille and Noel Mackenzy were noted as being present during the intervention. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the weapons and the intended destination of the equipment.