# Dominican Republic law enforcement drug operations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-law-enforcement-drug-operations
> Updated: 2026-08-21T23:26:25.000Z. Sources: 175. Developments: 2.

Law enforcement and military authorities in the Dominican Republic have conducted multiple operations targeting narcotics trafficking and criminal activity.

In Santo Domingo Este, the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) and the Public Ministry carried out anti-microtrafficking efforts that led to 44 arrests and the seizure of over 13,000 grams of suspected cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy. The DEA commended these efforts following a major operation involving the seizure of 1,360 packages of cocaine and 30 blocks of marijuana.

In the southern region, the Dominican Army has intercepted drug shipments during vehicle inspections. In Vicente Noble, authorities seized approximately 2 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 90 pounds of marijuana from a van, resulting in the arrest of an Army private, Eduard Alexis Urbaez Urbaez. In Azua, military personnel discovered multiple packages of suspected marijuana concealed in a false bottom of a black Nissan pickup truck. The driver was detained, and the vehicle and substances remain in military custody pending legal proceedings by the Public Ministry and the DNCD.

## Claims

- Luis Carlos Gutiérrez Martínez signed a plea agreement to serve 36 months in prison for ideological falsehood in a public document. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Gutiérrez Martínez used his access to the Fundación San José computer system to authorize two false diplomas for Juliana Guerrero. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Andrés Bautista García swore in Carlos Manuel Paulino Cárdenas as the new executive director of the Dominican Civil Defense. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Carlos Manuel Paulino Cárdenas was appointed via Decree 551-26. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Juan Cesario Salas Rosario resigned from the position of director of the Civil Defense. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Juan Salas was designated as an honorary advisor to the Executive Power on Civil Defense matters. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Juliana Guerrero failed to attend the judicial hearing where the prosecution intended to formalize charges against her. (single source)
- Carlos Manuel Paulino Cárdenas also assumed the role of president of the National Emergency Commission. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Dominican Army seizes drugs in two separate vehicle inspections

The Dominican Army seized cocaine and marijuana in two separate operations in Vicente Noble and Azua, involving the arrest of a soldier and the discovery of drugs hidden in vehicle compartments.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-army-seizes-drugs-in-two-separate-vehicle-inspections

### 2026-08-20: Latin American law enforcement conducts major narcotics and crime operations

Law enforcement across Latin America reports significant successes in drug seizures, including 1.5 tons in Honduras, and various arrests related to homicide, forgery, and narcotics trafficking.

172 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-arrest-suspect-in-santiago-fatal-stabbing

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Cite as: Dominican Republic law enforcement drug operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-law-enforcement-drug-operations