Dominican Republic ramps up drug seizures and destroys over a ton of narcotics

The Dominican Republic’s law‑enforcement agencies have intensified drug‑related operations. The National Institute of Forensic Sciences (Inacif) reported destroying more than 1,144 kg of narcotics—including 928 kg of marijuana and 213 kg of cocaine—during a Thursday ceremony at the military camp in Pedro Brand.

In parallel, the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) and the Ministry of Public Prosecutor have uncovered multiple marijuana cultivations. A recent raid in San José de Ocoa’s Los Limoncillos area seized 45 plants, two burned nurseries and related equipment, and led to the arrest of two Haitian nationals. Earlier operations in the same province had dismantled the country’s two largest marijuana farms, totaling over 18,000 plants.

Authorities also captured a known micro‑trafficker, Tito José Marte Díaz, nicknamed “Cara Cortada,” in La Vega. During the arrest, agents seized roughly 333 g of cocaine, 50 g of marijuana, cash and a firearm. Additionally, a DINTEL intelligence sweep on the Duarte‑Las Guáranas highway intercepted a vehicle carrying more than eight pounds of marijuana, a Kia K5, cash and a knife.

These coordinated actions underscore a nationwide effort to combat drug trafficking and related crimes.