Hti: Indictment of Aristide in the offing?

U.S. prosecutors are investigating whether Haiti's recently ousted president received millions of dollars for allowing drug traffickers to ship cocaine through the chaotic island nation, people familiar with the matter say.

Although any indictment could be months away, these people say the investigation has gained momentum since President Jean Bertrand Aristide left office in February. At least one convicted major cocaine trafficker has stepped forward to offer details of Mr. Aristide's purported involvement in the trade. Moreover, last month one of Mr. Aristide's top security officials, Oriel Jean, was extradited from Canada to face drug charges in a Miami federal court.

A person familiar with the matter said the government hopes to secure Mr. Jean's cooperation. Mr. Jean's attorney, David Raben, declined to comment on any negotiations and said, "We will defend the accusation very aggressively."

Mr. Aristide's lawyer here, Ira Kurzban, vehemently denied the allegations as "all lies" and "part of the U.S. government's ongoing campaign of political assassination."