Illegal bootleg rum camp dismantled in Cabral, Los Botaos sector
The National Police found a clandestine camp in Cabral dedicated to producing clerén. Barrels containing liquid were destroyed on site and the investigation continues.
Operation in Los Botaos uncovers illegal clerén production
According to infobae.com, on 13 September agents from the South Regional Directorate of the National Police dismantled a clandestine camp located in the wooded area of the Los Botaos sector in Cabral, where clerén—also called triculí—or bootleg rum was being produced.
The operation resulted from prior intelligence work. The location of the camp in a wooded area facilitated keeping the activity hidden, according to official information.
Metal tanks and distillation process
At the site, agents found several metal tanks, some connected to an active distillation system and others containing a yellowish-coloured liquid. Authorities removed at least five large barrels and destroyed the contents on site to prevent their transport, commercialisation or consumption.
Clerén is an alcoholic beverage made through artisanal or clandestine production. The Police linked it to the production of adulterated rum, whose preparation without sanitary supervision poses health risks due to the absence of controls over ingredients, distillation and hygiene.
No arrests to date
The Police did not provide the exact quantity of liquid eliminated nor report whether additional raw materials, packaging equipment or signs of a distribution network were found. To date, no arrests related to the discovery have been recorded.
The South Regional Directorate is keeping investigations open to identify those responsible for installing and operating the camp. The authorities seek to determine how long the site had been operating, who participated in the production and whether the product had already reached nearby communities or other parts of the country.
Applicable legal framework
The manufacture of alcoholic beverages without authorisation is penalised in the Dominican Republic by Law 243-68 on Alcohols. Article 56 of said regulation contemplates fines, prison sentences and the confiscation of products, materials, equipment, containers and tools used in such activity.
The operation is part of the sustained actions by the Police against the manufacture and sale of alcohol outside established control mechanisms.
Source: Google News DO — Crime