January 18, 2026
The arrest of Dr. Isaac Archelus and anesthetist Nerline Joachim following the suspicious death of a wounded suspected drug trafficker has sparked widespread protest within the healthcare sector in Haiti’s Northwest. In response, medical staff suspended services, paralyzing operations at the Immaculée Conception Hospital in Port-de-Paix.
The case stems from a major anti-drug operation conducted on July 13, 2025, off the coast of Tortuga Island, which led to the seizure of over a ton of cocaine. Three Bahamian nationals were killed during the raid, while the sole survivor, Juey Russell, sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he died shortly after admission.
The decision to transfer the two healthcare workers by helicopter to Port-au-Prince—without them first being interviewed locally as expected—angered regional judicial authorities. Government Commissioner Me Jéir Pierre denounced the move as “a unilateral decision that undermines the judicial authority of Port-de-Paix.”
This unexpected centralization of the investigation raises questions about the impartiality of the judicial process. In the Northwest, public opinion is demanding clear explanations and urging respect for the rights of the medical professionals involved.
Tensions remain high, as many denounce what they see as political manipulation of a complex legal case. Both doctors and citizens are calling for transparency and a fair process for the accused.
