Dominican Republic pushes crackdown on illicit trade harming health

Eddy Alcántara, executive director of Pro Consumidor, warned that illicit trade—including contraband of medicines, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and other consumer goods—poses serious health risks and economic losses in the Dominican Republic. He called the fight against smuggling and unfair competition a strategic priority, emphasizing that informal markets undermine formal commerce and public safety.

The government is coordinating efforts among the Ministry of Industry, Trade and MSMEs, the Customs Directorate, the Specialized Fuel Control Corps and Pro Consumidor, with the backing of President Luis Abinader. Operations have removed millions of counterfeit or adulterated products nationwide. Alcántara stressed the need for stronger, sustained enforcement and public‑private partnerships to protect consumers and preserve market fairness.