Dominican Republic intensifies crackdown on organized crime and drug trafficking

drug trafficking organized crime DNCD international cooperation seizures

Dominican authorities have intensified efforts against organized crime and illicit trade through a series of high-profile operations and international collaborations. The National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD) conducted multiple seizures, including 228 packages of suspected cocaine in simultaneous operations at the Santo Domingo port and Punta Cana Airport, and 172 cocaine slabs hidden in coconut export boxes at the Caucedo Multimodal Port destined for Europe.

In terms of international cooperation, the Dominican Republic worked with authorities in Curaçao to arrest Reyno Martin Cijntje, a suspect linked to drug trafficking and homicide. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior and Police highlighted a multinational operation that rescued 153 victims of human trafficking. The United States, through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is also supporting the country with high-tech initiatives involving robotics and advanced intelligence to strengthen security institutions.

Domestically, officials are leveraging new legal frameworks, including the Penal Code and laws on asset forfeiture, to combat illicit commerce. While these measures aim to strengthen the fight against money laundering and drug trafficking, some legislators have raised concerns regarding the need for an independent Public Ministry to prevent the potential misuse of new legal tools for political purposes.

Entities

Aeropuerto Internacional de Punta Cana · Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs · DEA · Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas · Dominican Republic · Drug Enforcement Administration · Faride Raful · Gran Santo Domingo · Interpol · Interpol Santo Domingo · Kely Morban Álvarez · Kevin Morban Pérez

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] In separate operations in Gran Santo Domingo, authorities seized over 75,000 grams of various drugs. yamasadigital.com · www.paginaextra.com
[● 13 SOURCES] One man was arrested in connection with the container seizure at the port. ahoranoticiasrd.com · atento.com.do · precision.com.do · n.com.do · noticialibre.com · +2 more
[DISPUTED] The DNCD seized 228 packages of alleged cocaine during two operations. ahoranoticiasrd.com · atento.com.do · surinformard.com.do · n.com.do · noticialibre.com · +2 more
[● 12 SOURCES] The container trailer was allegedly destined for Puerto Rico. ahoranoticiasrd.com · n.com.do · atento.com.do · surinformard.com.do · bavaronews.com · +1 more
[● 9 SOURCES] The operations were supported by the DEA and the Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). precision.com.do · n.com.do · atento.com.do · bavaronews.com
[● 13 SOURCES] 203 packages were found hidden in a double-bottom compartment of a container trailer at the Don Diego port. ahoranoticiasrd.com · atento.com.do · precision.com.do · n.com.do · noticialibre.com · +2 more
[● 12 SOURCES] A 34-year-old Dutch citizen was detained at Punta Cana International Airport. ahoranoticiasrd.com · atento.com.do · precision.com.do · n.com.do · surinformard.com.do · +1 more
[● 12 SOURCES] 25 packages of alleged cocaine were found in a suitcase at Punta Cana International Airport. ahoranoticiasrd.com · atento.com.do · precision.com.do · n.com.do · surinformard.com.do · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] Authorities arrested Reyno Martin Cijntje, alias Bomba, in La Vega province. azuanoticias.com · elpregonerord.com · www.diariolibre.com · eldia.com.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] A criminal network was dismantled for the illegal sale of over 46 million units of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
[● 4 SOURCES] Reyno Martin Cijntje is linked to 22 serious crimes, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and murder. azuanoticias.com · www.diariolibre.com · eldia.com.do
[● 4 SOURCES] The new Penal Code could be used for political persecution if the Public Ministry is not independent. conexion23.com · diarionoticias.do · calle56.com