Total offensive against drug trafficking: 261 packages of alleged cocaine seized and two men arrested in Baní

Santo Domingo. – In a clear demonstration of the Dominican Republic’s leadership in the fight against drug trafficking in the region, agents of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), the Dominican Republic Navy (ARD), and the Dominican Republic Air Force (FARD), coordinated by the Public Ministry and with the support of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), seized 261 packages presumably of cocaine during a large joint operation carried out on the coasts of the municipality of Baní, province Peravia. The air, sea, and land units activated all action protocols after receiving intelligence reports indicating that several individuals aboard a vessel were heading suspiciously towards the coasts of the Dominican Republic with a presumed shipment of narcotics. As a result of the deployment of forces and after several hours of intense pursuit, the Dominican authorities, with the support of international organizations, managed to intercept several nautical miles south of the coasts of Baní a boat with two men on board and an alleged shipment of presumed cocaine.

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Upon boarding the vessel, the operational teams seized nine jerrycans that appeared to contain fuel, inside which 261 packages of the substance were found, introduced in plastic bags and wrapped with adhesive tape. “This is a novel device used by drug traffickers, who open the top of the container to insert the packages and then replace the lid, with the aim of making it appear that they are fuel containers, when in reality they are full of the substance,” says the press release. The seizure of the stash occurs hours after the United States Ambassador, Leah F. Campos, formally introduced the president of the DNCD, Vice Admiral José M. Cabrera Ulloa, to the new interim attaché of the DEA in the country. During the intervention, a portion of alleged marijuana, nine empty containers, personal documents, and other evidence linked to the case were also seized. The Public Ministry and the DNCD are deepening investigations into the frustrated international drug trafficking operation, while the detainees, two Dominican citizens, will be brought to justice for violation of Law 50-88 on drugs and controlled substances. You can also read: The 261 packages of the substance were sent under chain of custody to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) to determine the weight and exact type of the shipment.