Dominican authorities dismantle largest marijuana plantation in San José de Ocoa

The National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD) together with the Ministry of Public, the Dominican Air Force and state intelligence agencies carried out a joint aerial and ground operation in the El Pinar district of San José de Ocoa. Officials seized more than 3,500 marijuana plants—later confirmed by forensic analysis to weigh about 3,200 lb—and confiscated multiple garrafones, ventilators, solar panels, drying equipment, communication devices and other gear used for cultivation, processing and packaging.

Three suspects were arrested during the raid, identified as two Haitian nationals and one Dominican citizen. The harvested plants and seized equipment were transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for further testing, while investigations continue to identify additional members of the criminal network. The operation is described as the biggest marijuana eradication effort in the Dominican Republic in 2026.