the Dominican Republic’s National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), alongside other law enforcement agencies, intercepted a shipment of 641 packages suspected to contain cocaine. The operation unfolded off the shores of Pedernales province, culminating in the arrest of two Dominican nationals.
According to a DNCD statement, the bust was the result of a coordinated effort involving ground and maritime units, sparked by an early warning about a fast boat attempting to smuggle a large haul of illicit substances into the country.
The chase lasted several hours and ended a few nautical miles south of Cabo Rojo, Pedernales. Authorities intercepted a 23-foot vessel, uncovering 23 bales containing the suspected drugs.
In addition to the narcotics, law enforcement confiscated a 5.56 caliber rifle with its magazine and five rounds of ammunition, a Garmin GPS device, several fuel containers, and other items.
The DNCD is now investigating whether this seizure is connected to a similar operation last weekend in the same area. That bust involved 958 packages of cocaine and marijuana found aboard another vessel carrying five Dominican nationals.
The two men arrested in this latest case will face prosecution, while the 641 packages have been sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for testing and confirmation of their contents.
The DNCD reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking in Dominican waters, noting the importance of cross-agency collaboration in these operations.
