DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Shipments continue to enter Haiti with expectations of subsequently smuggling the larger portion of the cigarettes into the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic Army (ERD) is intensifying its efforts to combat cross-border smuggling, underscored by the seizure of a significant cache of 160,000 units of foreign-sourced cigarettes at a military checkpoint in the border province of Montecristi.

The confiscation occurred at the Las Matas de Santa Cruz military checkpoint as troops inspected a white Kia truck (plate L434718). The contraband was discovered cleverly concealed among baskets of vegetables in the rear of the vehicle, a common tactic employed by smugglers to evade detection.

The cargo was comprised of 15 cases of Capital brand cigarettes, totaling 150,000 units, and one case of Jaisalmer brand, adding another 10,000 units.

The driver, identified as Wininyer Andrés Uceta Ortiz, and his passenger, Jordy Liriano Valerio, were immediately detained. Both...