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Drug trafficking enforcement and police scrutiny in the DR

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-20 01:27 UTC → 2026-10-20 03:01 UTC · added removed

Law enforcement activities in the Dominican Republic have targeted various drug trafficking networks. In one instance, an international manhunt led to the arrest of a Dominican father and son residing in Italy, linked to the ‘Focus23’ investigation into a cocaine distribution network. In a separate large-scale effort, the 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 multiple regions, regions including Santo Domingo Este, Distrito Nacional, and Boca Chica. These coordinated actions resulted in the arrest of 152 individuals arrests and the seizure of nearly 58 kilograms of controlled substances, primarily cocaine, along with firearms, scales, as well as firearms and communication equipment. Recent developments highlight both continued enforcement includes the arrest of a Spanish national at Punta Cana International Airport for attempting to smuggle 20 packages of cocaine to Germany, and rising public 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. 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. Additional enforcement actions include the arrest of a Spanish national at Punta Cana International Airport for attempting to smuggle 20 packages of cocaine to Germany. Furthermore, with INTERPOL assistance, authorities arrested David Maikel de los Santos, a Dominican-Dutch national wanted by French authorities for alleged money laundering. In recent multi-province operations, authorities expanded their reach. In the Enriquillo region, specifically Independencia and Bahoruco, the National Police and Dominican Army detained 13 individuals and seized nine firearms and 354 grams of suspected narcotics. In Montecristi, operations in Guayubín led to the detention of three individuals and the seizure of marijuana and illegal gaming machines.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-20 03:01 UTC Drug trafficking enforcement and police scrutiny in the DR
  2. 2026-10-20 01:27 UTC Drug trafficking enforcement and police scrutiny in the DR
  3. 2026-10-19 23:05 UTC Drug trafficking enforcement and police scrutiny in the DR
  4. 2026-10-19 17:41 UTC Drug trafficking enforcement and police scrutiny in the DR
  5. 2026-10-18 18:53 UTC Drug trafficking enforcement in the Dominican Republic

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