Dominican Republic seizes 1.3 tons of cocaine off Baní coast

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have intercepted a significant drug shipment, seizing approximately 1.3 tons of cocaine and 30 blocks of suspected marijuana in a maritime operation near Baní. The Directorate of National Drug Control (DNCD) announced the successful bust on Friday, highlighting the collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Colombian Air Force.

The extensive operation, which spanned air, sea, and land, led to the apprehension of three Dominican nationals. The operation commenced after authorities detected a vessel carrying the illicit cargo in the Caribbean Sea. A pursuit lasting over 15 hours culminated in the interception of a 32-foot boat, identified only as lacking a name or registration, several nautical miles south of Punta Salinas.

Inside the vessel, agents discovered 55 bales containing the 1,360 packages of suspected cocaine, along with the 30 blocks of what appears to be marijuana, totaling 1,390 packages. The confiscated items also included a satellite communication radio, fuel tanks, ropes, and provisions. The DNCD stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend any further individuals connected to the drug network, which is believed to be involved in transporting narcotics from South America via speedboats.

This latest seizure contributes to the more than 27 tons of drugs confiscated by Dominican authorities this year alone. The operation occurs amidst a broader international effort, such as the U.S.-led Operation Southern Shield, aimed at combating drug trafficking across Latin America.