Drug trafficking enforcement and police scrutiny in the DR

Law enforcement activities in the Dominican Republic have targeted various drug trafficking networks through large-scale, coordinated efforts. The National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD), alongside the Public Ministry and National Police, has conducted over 1,100 operations and 16 raids across regions including Santo Domingo Este, Distrito Nacional, and Boca Chica. These actions resulted in 152 arrests and the seizure of nearly 58 kilograms of controlled substances, primarily cocaine, as well as firearms and communication equipment.

Recent enforcement includes the arrest of a Spanish national at Punta Cana International Airport for attempting to smuggle 20 packages of cocaine to Germany, and the detention of a Dominican-Dutch national, David Maikel de los Santos, wanted by French authorities for alleged money laundering. In the Enriquillo region, specifically Independencia and Bahoruco, authorities detained 13 individuals and seized nine firearms and 354 grams of suspected narcotics. Additionally, a business partner was placed in preventive detention following the discovery of over 200 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a trailer at the Port of Santo Domingo.

Public scrutiny regarding police conduct remains high. An ACD Media survey indicates that 67.8% of the population rejects police actions involving ‘abuse of authority, excessive force, and deaths during interventions.’ This follows reports of high lethality, with 55 deaths recorded in September and 21 by mid-October. Public sentiment remains tense, with 57% of citizens viewing the current national situation negatively, citing crime, insecurity, and the high cost of living as primary concerns.