Dominican Republic drug seizures up 34% in first half of 2026

Drug seizures in the Dominican Republic surged by 33.76% in the first half of 2026, with authorities confiscating 24,139.53 kilograms of illicit substances. This marks a significant increase from the 18,047.61 kilograms seized during the same period in 2025. The rise represents an additional 6,091.92 kilograms removed from circulation, driven primarily by larger quantities of marijuana and cocaine.

Marijuana was the most frequently confiscated drug, totaling 12,101.94 kilograms, slightly exceeding the 11,930.84 kilograms of cocaine seized. However, cocaine seizures experienced the most substantial growth, increasing by 3,120.65 kilograms, a 35.4% rise compared to the previous year. Marijuana seizures grew by 2,937.07 kilograms, a 32% increase.

The data also reveals a shift in seizure patterns, with a significant portion of marijuana (over 90%) confiscated between April and June. Other drugs, including crack, hashish, opium, and ecstasy, also saw increases, albeit in smaller volumes. The total amount seized in the first six months of 2026 already represents 75.6% of the entire 2025 total.

These intensified anti-narcotics efforts led to the detention of 24,076 individuals between January and June 2026, an increase of 127 compared to the previous year. Authorities also confiscated 984 vehicles and 212 firearms during these operations, underscoring a robust campaign against drug trafficking.