DNCD dismantles hidden compartment workshop in Los Frailes linked to 237 cocaine packages
Agents of the DNCD raided a workshop in Santo Domingo Este where hidden compartments in vehicles were manufactured for transporting drugs.
Los Frailes hidden compartment workshop linked to cocaine seizure on Duarte highway
Agents of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) and representatives of the Public Ministry raided a workshop in the Los Frailes sector, Santo Domingo Este, according to acento.com.do. The premises was used to manufacture hidden compartments—known as "caletas"—in vehicles intended for transporting illicit substances.
The intervention, executed by judicial order, forms part of investigations opened following the seizure of 237 packages of cocaine found in the rear of a pickup truck during an operation carried out in July at kilometre 36 of the Duarte highway. This seizure resulted in the detention of several men, whose identities were not disclosed, and subsequent investigations led authorities to the Los Frailes location.
During the search, cutting tools, sanders, drills, air compressors, electric generators, welding machines, air suspension tanks, hydraulic jacks and an anvil for metalworking were seized. The authorities also confiscated 20 hydraulic motors, a DVR video surveillance system with two hard drives and a GPS device with a SIM card.
Among the vehicles found inside the workshop was a pickup truck with two hidden compartments adapted on both sides. A Toyota Tundra and a Toyota Venza without number plates were also detained; in the latter, documents and other items were found that the authorities characterise as evidence in the case.
The DNCD and the Public Ministry stated that the investigation remains open to determine the participation of other individuals and to establish the relationship between the confiscated evidence and the cocaine shipment seized in July.
Source: Google News DO — Santo Domingo