Dominican Republic Seizes Over 15,000 Marijuana Plants in Historic Bust

In a significant blow to drug trafficking networks, authorities in the Dominican Republic have dismantled a large-scale marijuana cultivation operation, seizing over 15,000 plants. This operation represents the largest marijuana bust in the nation's history, according to the National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD).

The extensive operation took place over three days in a remote rural community within the San José de Ocoa province, located in the central region of the country. Utilizing drone surveillance and supported by intelligence services, DNCD units, along with members of the Public Ministry, executed the seizure. They also intervened in a house that was reportedly being used as a processing and storage center for the illicit crop.

During the operation, authorities confiscated not only the plants but also tools and supplies used in the production, drying, distribution, and packaging of marijuana. The DNCD stated that over ten individuals, both Dominican and Haitian nationals, have been questioned in connection with the case. These interrogations are reportedly linked to a previous dismantling of a smaller marijuana plantation, also in the same area, which led to the arrest of three men currently in prison.

Authorities have hailed this operation as a "major blow" and a "historic milestone" in the fight against drug trafficking in the Dominican Republic. Security forces maintain a presence in the area to gather further evidence. The seized plants have been sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences for total weight determination. This intervention occurs amid a broader international context of anti-narcotics efforts, including Operation Southern Shield by the U.S. aimed at combating drug trafficking in Latin America. So far in 2026, Dominican authorities have seized over 14.3 tons of drugs.

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This 'great blow' constitutes 'the largest seizure of this type in the history of the Dominican Republic, marking an unprecedented milestone in the fight against drug trafficking networks in the country'.