# Dominican Republic law enforcement operations against crime

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-law-enforcement-operations-against-crime
> Updated: 2026-09-07T23:40:26.000Z. Sources: 71. Developments: 3.

Dominican Republic authorities have conducted several major operations targeting organized crime and illegal arms trafficking.

Initial law enforcement actions included the dismantling of a robbery ring allegedly led by Osiris Rafael Delgado Ceballo, known as ‘La Puerquita’. Concurrently, ‘Operation Pandora’ targeted a corruption network involving the former head of the National Police Armory, Colonel Narciso Antonio Féliz Romero. This network is accused of misappropriating over RD$92 million in military equipment and ammunition, which was allegedly intended for sale to gangs in Haiti.

In recent developments regarding the ‘Pandora’ case, Judge Patricia Padilla has ordered several police officers and officials to face trial. Prosecutors allege the network sold ammunition through a contact in Haiti for cash payments ranging between 200,000 and 240,000 pesos. The indictment claims stolen ammunition boxes were refilled with projectiles to hide shortages and that Colonel Féliz Romero allegedly used the illicit proceeds to develop a real estate business in Bonao.

Following these developments, authorities launched ‘Operación Armum’, a large-scale crackdown targeting 18 gun shops. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 200 firearms and 40,000 rounds of ammunition. In the legal aftermath, judges in the National District and Santo Domingo Este have imposed various coercion measures and economic guarantees against arrested owners and representatives from businesses such as Gestiones de Armas de Fuego Braulio S. R. L. and Armería Los Cocolos. Financial guarantees range from 500,000 to 4 million pesos for individuals including Braulio Veras Rodríguez, Henry Leónidas Tejeda Peralta, and Alexis Díaz Rodríguez. Defendants also face travel bans and must periodically report to the Public Ministry under Law 631-16.

## Claims

- The Ministerio Público launched Operación Armum to target irregular gun shops. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Authorities seized approximately 200 firearms, including long guns, pistols, and revolvers. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Approximately 40,000 rounds of ammunition were seized, many without markings. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The operation involved raids on 18 gun shops across the Dominican Republic. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Seized items included war weapons, prohibited items, and state investigation agency equipment without permits. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Owners or representatives of the gun shops were arrested during the raids. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Some establishments were found to be operating without licenses or with expired permits. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The operation involved 25 prosecutors, 190 police officers, and 38 inspectors from the Ministries of Defense and Interior. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: Dominican Republic judges impose sanctions in illegal arms trafficking case

Dominican Republic authorities have imposed financial guarantees and travel bans on gun shop owners arrested in ‘Operación Armum’ for the illicit sale and intermediation of firearms and ammunition.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-judges-impose-sanctions-in-illegal-arms-trafficking-case

### 2026-09-02: Dominican Republic authorities raid 18 gun shops in Operación Armum

Dominican authorities conducted Operación Armum, raiding 18 gun shops and seizing approximately 200 firearms and 40,000 rounds of ammunition, many without markings, to combat illegal arms trafficking.

52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-authorities-raid-18-gun-shops-in-operacin-armum

### 2026-08-25: Dominican Republic police dismantle robbery ring and pursue ammunition theft case

Dominican authorities have dismantled a robbery ring responsible for stealing millions from businesses and are proceeding with the prosecution of a former police colonel in a major ammunition theft case.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/narciso-antonio-fliz-romero-to-remain-in-prison-in-operation-pandora-case

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