Dominican Republic extradites two citizens to U.S. for large-scale drug trafficking

The Dominican Republic has extradited two of its citizens to the United States to face serious drug trafficking charges. The Directorate General of Drug Control (DNCD) announced that Luis Ezequiel Then Martínez and Carlos Pisandro Peña Tejeda, also known as Bertinio Emilio Peguero ('Papa'), were transferred to U.S. authorities.

The handover took place at the Las Américas International Airport (AILA), which serves Santo Domingo. U.S. officials took custody of the individuals, transporting them on a commercial flight to the United States to stand trial.

Then Martínez faces charges before the New York State Supreme Court. These include conspiracy, operating as a "large-scale" drug trafficker, selling controlled substances, and possession of narcotics. The accusations highlight the significant scope of the alleged criminal activity.

Peña Tejeda, meanwhile, is charged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. His indictment involves conspiracy to import controlled substances into the U.S., specifically mentioning approximately 500 grams of cocaine. The extradition was a joint effort by the Attorney General's Office of the Republic and the DNCD, with support from the U.S. Marshals Service.