The seizures exceed RD$845 million and are part of the operations against illicit trade carried out between January and July 2026.
SANTO DOMINGO.- The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM), in coordination with the Specialized Corps for Fuel Control and Merchandise Trade (CECCOM), reported that during the first seven months of 2026, 213,355 gallons of fuel and more than 46 million units of regulated merchandise that were being marketed or transported irregularly were seized.
According to the authorities, the operations allowed for the seizure of products valued at RD$845 million, including medicines, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, sexual stimulants, and other items subject to regulation.
The Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, Yayo Sanz Lovatón, assured that these results reflect the strengthening of actions to combat illicit trade, protect consumer health, guarantee tax collection and avoid unfair competition.
“Although these are good results, the projection for the rest of the year is to continue consolidating the ministry’s inter-institutional system, CECCOM, and allied entities with more joint patrols and inspections,” the official stated.
For his part, the director of CECCOM, Brigadier General Orlando Jerez Espaillat, ERD, explained that the operations are being carried out in compliance with Law 17-19, on the Eradication of Illicit Trade, Smuggling, and Counterfeiting of Regulated Products; Law 112-00, on Hydrocarbons; and the General Health Law 42-01.
More Read
You can also read: MICM and PROCINE promote alliance to strengthen the industry
More than 10 thousand inspection operations
Regarding fuels, the CECCOM carried out more than 5,200 patrols, which resulted in the inspection of 4,000 transport units to verify compliance with current regulations.
In the area of regulated goods, the authorities carried out 5,243 inspections, which culminated in the intervention of 668 commercial establishments distributed across different provinces of the country.
As a result of these operations, carried out at ports, border crossings, trade corridors, and major transport routes, 84 judicial raids were executed, 73 vehicles were seized, and 59 people were detained for investigation purposes.
More Read
Likewise, the MICM highlighted that, as part of the inter-institutional roundtable against illicit trade, 73 joint operations were carried out with the General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Sanitary Products (DIGEMAPS), the Dominican Republic Army (ERD), the Dominican Republic Navy (ARD), the Specialized Corps for Land Border Security (CESFRONT), and the Public Ministry.
The authorities indicated that they will continue to reinforce control and inspection operations for the rest of the year, with the aim of reducing smuggling and the irregular commercialization of fuels and regulated products throughout the national territory.
