Haina port concentrates 80% of firearms seized in the Dominican Republic

The port of Haina, the Dominican Republic's busiest, is not only a hub for legitimate trade but also a significant point for illegal material, especially firearms. Nearly 80% of all weapons seized by the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) are confiscated at this single port.

From 2020 to July 24, 2026, the DGA reported confiscating 780 firearms across the country's ports, airports, and border crossings. Of these, a staggering 623 were found at the Haina terminal, representing 79.87% of the total seizures. Other ports and airports saw significantly fewer seizures: Puerto Plata administration with 38 weapons, Las Américas International Airport (AILA) with 24, and Punta Cana International Airport with 19.

Pistols are the most commonly seized firearms, with 475 confiscated during the period. The 9mm caliber is particularly prevalent, with 314 units seized between 2021 and July 2026. The DGA also reported confiscating various rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and even a machine gun and a collector's item.

The year 2022 saw the highest number of seizures with 209 weapons, followed by 2023 with 171. While 2024 saw a decrease to 70 seizures, preliminary data for the first seven months of 2026 shows 24 confiscations. The DGA emphasizes these seizures are the result of ongoing control, surveillance, and risk analysis efforts to combat the illegal introduction of firearms.