Operation LM2: 168 cocaine packages seized and gang leader arrested in Dominican Republic
José Miguel Ceballos Rosario, alias "el Viajero", was arrested during 11 simultaneous raids in Santo Domingo, Hato Mayor and Santiago.
"El Viajero" arrested following seizure of 168 packages of alleged cocaine
The Public Prosecutor's Office and the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) arrested José Miguel Ceballos Rosario, known as "el Viajero", as part of Operation LM2, according to infobae.com. Authorities identify him as one of the main leaders of a network under investigation for alleged drug trafficking and money laundering.
The operation included 11 simultaneous raids in Greater Santo Domingo, Hato Mayor and Santiago, carried out at residences, commercial premises and storage centres. The action was coordinated by 13 prosecutors and involved the participation of more than 150 agents.
Cocaine concealed in metal tubes
The 168 packages of alleged cocaine were found in a building in the Paraíso Urbanization, in Villa González, Santiago, which functioned as a storage centre for the network. The shipment was hidden inside 31 metal tubes or bars.
In the same building, authorities found hundreds of cardboard boxes, tools and supplies that they link to the preparation and concealment of controlled substances. The investigation suggests that the organisation used modified packaging as its standard transport method.
In addition to the drugs, the teams seized high-end vehicles, a truck, cash, weapons and documents related to the investigation.
Network with international reach
According to authorities, the alleged organisation sent large quantities of cocaine to the United States and Europe. To do so, it reportedly used double-bottomed boxes and metal structures, as well as consolidation companies and shell companies that simulated the transport of licit merchandise.
The current investigation stems from earlier operations in La Vega and Monseñor Nouel, where 392 sheets of cocaine, three rifles, vehicles and machinery used for packaging and concealment of controlled substances were seized.
In July 2023, authorities raided a farm in the Jayaco community and found hundreds of cardboard boxes, most with double bottoms, containing sheets of the substance. They also intervened in a residence in Los Rincones de La Vega that reportedly served as a storage centre, resulting in the arrest of three people and the seizure of multiple pieces of evidence.
For that case, the Public Prosecutor's Office processed Basilio Saturria Mosquea, Danckeline De La Cruz and José Luis Santana Vargas. The Collegiate Court of La Vega sentenced De La Cruz and Santana Vargas to 15 years in prison and ordered the seizure of all assets involved.
Investigation continues
Authorities reported that Operation LM2 remains ongoing. They are continuing the search for other suspected members of the organisation and urged them to surrender through proper channels. The investigation seeks to determine the full scope of operations and to analyse the assets and documents seized during the raids.
Source: Google News DO — Crime