Dominican Republic authorities shut down illegal cardboard factory

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have dismantled a clandestine cardboard factory, identified as Fabrica Cartesa, located in the municipality of San Antonio de Guerra. The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM), the Specialized Body for Fuel Control and Merchandise Trade (CECCOM), the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), and the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Edifices (MIVHED).

Inspectors discovered that the industrial complex, which includes three warehouses and a four-story office and residential building, was operating without land-use certificates or commercial licenses. Additionally, the facility maintained foreign personnel in irregular migratory status. During the inspection, CECCOM officials dismantled an unregulated fuel warehouse that violated hydrocarbon laws, seizing a 5,000-liter tank and 1,000 gallons of diesel valued at approximately RD$2,250,000.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Eduardo Sanz Lovatón stated that while the Dominican Republic remains open to foreign investment, all businesses must strictly comply with the existing legal framework.