Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic has achieved a historic milestone in its fight against drug trafficking with the seizure of 9,588 kilograms (9.5 tons) of suspected cocaine at Puerto Multimodal Caucedo. This massive haul, valued at approximately $250 million, is the largest drug seizure ever recorded in the country and one of the largest in the Caribbean region.
Details of the Operation
The National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD) announced the operation during a press conference, displaying the confiscated packages. Authorities revealed that the shipment arrived in Puerto Caucedo, located in Boca Chica, Santo Domingo province, from Guatemala. It was allegedly set to be transported to Belgium before being intercepted.
The operation, which stemmed from intelligence reports, was a coordinated effort involving DNCD agents, the Dominican Customs Directorate, military security forces from Puerto Caucedo, and various intelligence agencies. The effort was overseen by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Discovery
Authorities began profiling and inspecting dozens of containers in transit through the Dominican Republic after receiving intelligence about suspicious activities. A surveillance unit identified unusual movement in one of the port’s blocks, where they discovered two open containers.
One container was empty, while the other was loaded with bananas. Inside the second container, officials uncovered 320 sacks containing the suspected cocaine, carefully concealed among the fruit.
The DNCD stated that the individuals involved in the shipment remain unidentified. However, at least ten people connected to the port are currently under investigation. Authorities are also conducting further inquiries to determine how the drugs were intended to be smuggled into Europe.
Forensic Analysis Underway
The confiscated packages have been sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for further analysis. Experts will confirm the exact weight and composition of the substance.
A Record-Breaking Seizure
This operation marks the largest drug confiscation in Dominican history, surpassing a 2006 seizure of 2.5 tons of cocaine at the same port. In November 2023, Puerto Caucedo was also the site of another significant bust involving 2.2 tons of cocaine.
So far this year, Dominican authorities have seized a record 41.6 tons of drugs, including cocaine. When factoring in international cooperation, the total rises to 65.7 tons, a figure that highlights the scale of efforts to combat narcotics trafficking in the region.
A Turning Point in the Drug War
The DNCD emphasized that this historic seizure represents “a turning point in the fight against drug trafficking” in the Dominican Republic. The agency highlighted the government’s commitment to dis
