The prosecutor for the National District, Jose Hernandez and the National Drug Control Department (DNCD) carried out joint operations that took possession of luxury apartments in upscale neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, a hotel and a vacation home in Hato del Padre, San Juan de la Maguana. The assets belonged to Luis Eduardo Rodriguez Cordero, the alleged leader of the drug ring that included Quirino Paulino Castillo, accused in the confiscation of a 1,387 ton cocaine shipment in December.
The apartments, one in La Esperilla and the other in Piantini, are part of an inventory being carried out by DNCD agents. Neighbors of the vacation home in Hato del Padre reported that shortly after Quirino Paulino was arrested a helicopter carrying a high-ranking army officer appeared and removed several luxury items. According to the newspaper, businessmen associated with vehicle sales, sports betting locations, and construction are on a list for questioning regarding their relations with Rodriguez Cordero. Several well-known figures will be asked about the generous loans that they received.
As a United States official once told the press: “The Dominican Republic is a money laundering paradise.” The District Attorney for the National District is looking into many constructions that went up with no formal financing and no check written.