Dominican Republic faces rising arms trafficking and terrorism threats

The Dominican Republic's geographic position in the heart of the Caribbean has made it a central hub for illicit activities, including the black market for weapons, drugs, and controlled substances. Reports indicate that the country serves as a collection point for various illegal trades and a hiding place for major criminal figures.

Investigations into the flow of illicit firearms suggest a complex transactional circuit. Weapons are reportedly funneled from the United States—specifically from states with high purchase permissibility such as Florida, Georgia, and Texas—to Haiti, which then facilitates the supply to the Dominican Republic. This flow of arms is linked to transnational terrorism and organized crime, posing significant challenges to regional stability.