The Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ghada Waly, raised concerns about "indications that political and economic actors in Haiti are using the eel industry to launder drug trafficking profits." This statement was made during a briefing on Haiti at the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. "Haitian authorities must begin analyzing money laundering reports related to the illegal wildlife trade," Waly urged.

The UNODC director also highlighted the link between escalating violence and drug trafficking in Haiti. "Violence in Haiti continues to be exacerbated by the illicit drug market. Criminal actors are focusing on Haiti, and evidence suggests that a small group of individuals continues to wield significant influence over drug trafficking in the country," she noted.