Dominican Republic seizes 749 cocaine packages in Baní with DEA support
The DNCD intercepted two drug boats off the coast of Baní on 4 October. Four Dominicans were detained and the drugs sent to the Inacif.
Joint operation captures two vessels with drug cargo in Peravia
Dominican authorities intercepted on 4 October two vessels with 749 packages of presumed cocaine off the coast of Baní, province of Peravia, according to a report from the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD). Four people were detained in the operation.
According to diariolasamericas.com, the action was coordinated between the DNCD, the Dominican Republic Navy and Air Force, with backing from the Public Prosecutor's Office, State intelligence agencies, the South Inter-Agency Task Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The DNCD described the operation as "a fresh demonstration of operational coordination and forceful action against organised crime", according to a post by the institution on its X social media account.
In the first operation, officials intercepted several nautical miles south of Punta Salinas a boat with two Dominicans on board. On board were found 10 bales with 281 packages of presumed cocaine, wrapped in adhesive tape and marked with different logos. Alongside the cargo also travelled a monkey of exotic origin.
In the same zone and simultaneously, the authorities neutralised a second drug boat that was transporting 20 bales with 468 packages of the same substance. Two other Dominicans were detained in that second operation.
The DNCD indicated that, together with the Public Prosecutor's Office, it is maintaining an open investigation to identify and capture other members of the criminal networks involved. The institution noted that the operating method of these structures "consists of the use of fast boats to attempt to introduce large shipments of controlled substances into national territory, coming from South America".
The 749 packages were sent under chain of custody to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (Inacif), which will determine the exact type and weight of the cargo.
Source: Google News DO — Crime