More than 1,6 tons of cocaine were seized off the coast of the Dominican Republic during a complex interception operation, carried out by security forces with the support of intelligence agencies and under the coordination of the prosecutor's office.
The speedboat, about 35 feet long, with two 250 horsepower outboard motors, was intercepted after more than 12 hours of pursuit in the waters of the province of Pedernales. 1.536 packages of a suspicious substance were found in the boat, packed in black plastic bags with various logos. Laboratory analysis by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) confirmed that it was 1.611 kilograms of cocaine.
During the operation, three Dominican Republic citizens and one Colombian were arrested, and in addition to the drugs, communications equipment, fuel, personal belongings, and a mini-fridge with drinks were seized. The operation was carried out jointly by agents of the Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), members of the Navy and Air Force, with the support of state intelligence structures.
Authorities in the Dominican Republic announced that they are continuing their investigation, with the aim of fully exposing an international network of smugglers that uses the route from South America to the Dominican Republic, transporting drugs on speedboats.
The DNCD states that this seizure represents one of the largest in the country's history, and emphasizes the importance of continued cooperation with the armed forces, the prosecution, intelligence services and international partners in the fight against transnational organized crime. The four arrested will soon be brought before the competent judicial authorities for violations of Law 50-88 on drugs and controlled substances.
Bonus video:
