Dual police operation in San Juan and Navarrete yields four arrests and seized contraband
The National Police carried out two procedures on 18 October in San Juan de la Maguana and Villa Bisonó, with four arrests and illegal merchandise seized.
Contraband, firearm and mobile phones: four arrested in simultaneous operations in Santiago and San Juan
The National Police of the Dominican Republic seized 1,400 cigarettes, 186 bottles of rum allegedly smuggled, an undocumented 9 mm Glock pistol, 21 mobile phones and cash during two operations carried out on 18 October, according to infobae.com.
The procedures took place in the Punta Caña sector of San Juan de la Maguana and in Villa Bisonó, known as Navarrete, in the province of Santiago. In total, four people were detained and referred to the Public Ministry.
San Juan de la Maguana: bus with irregular merchandise
The first operation was carried out by agents from the Department of Counterfeiting Investigations with support from the Investigation Subdirectorate (DICRIM). Officers intercepted a private Toyota bus driven by J. M. de los Santos, 30 years old, who was detained in flagrante delicto.
Inside the vehicle, agents seized eight boxes of chatica-type rum containing 186 units, six packets with 1,200 cigarettes and an additional packet with 200 units. The Police stated that the products would have entered the country irregularly, although the official statement did not specify the origin, commercial value or route followed prior to interception.
De los Santos and the merchandise were referred to the Public Ministry, which must determine whether charges should be filed for offences linked to the trade and transport of products of irregular origin.
Navarrete: search warrant execution with judicial order and SWAT unit
In a separate procedure, the Central Cibao Regional Intelligence Subdirectorate (DINTEL) and the Public Ministry executed a search of Villa Bisonó under judicial order 2026-AJ0090722, with the support of a SWAT unit.
During the intervention, agents seized a Glock model 17 pistol with magazine and 15 rounds, lacking documentation. They also found two portions of a substance identified as suspected marijuana, 21 mobile phones, nine phone cases, a portable charger, a mini UPS unit, a printer, a vape-type device and RD$ 9,350 in cash.
Agents also seized a grey Honda Accord EX automobile, registered in the name of a person different from those detained, according to the police report.
Three people were arrested for investigation purposes during the search, including a 17-year-old minor. The identities of the other two detainees were not disclosed by the authorities.
The Police did not report whether the mobile phones will be subjected to expert examination to establish a possible link with other matters under investigation.
Ongoing investigation
Both the four arrestees and the evidence seized in both procedures remain in the custody of the Public Ministry. The authorities indicated that the investigation continues to establish the origin of the seized items, the legal status of the firearm and the possible link of those involved with other crimes.
Source: Google News DO — Crime