2024News

Cracking down on La Altagracia drug trafficking network

The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing has seized property valued at over RD$6 million and firearms during simultaneous raids targeting a dismantled drug trafficking network, identified in July 2024 as part of Operation Rana that cracked down on the so-called La Altagracia Narcotics Network.

The operation involved a team from the Public Ministry, including prosecutors Claudio Alberto Cordero Jiménez, Hitler Stalin Sánchez, and José Manuel Calzado, along with members of the Asset Seizure and Administration Directorate and the Financial Investigation and Money Laundering Directorate (DIFLA), as well as the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD). The raids were conducted under judicial orders against the criminal organization.

The properties targeted belonged to Rigoberto Castillo Santana, who, along with José Padua Castillo and Robert Montás Ruiz, was arrested on 18 July 2024, while in possession of 6 kilograms of cocaine on the Bayahibe-Dominicus highway near Cotubanamá National Park.

The suspects are currently held at the Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (CCR-Anamuya) in Higüey.

Recent raids were executed in upscale areas of Higüey, including the well-known Motopréstamo Ricardo, linked to the financial investigation. During these operations, the owner, Judith Santana, was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm after a 9mm pistol, registered to Isidro Soler—who has prior narcotics-related charges—was found in her possession.

The Public Ministry plans to request coercive measures against Santana.

Interim Prosecutor Ramona Nova Cabrera stated that the investigation has uncovered a complex money laundering scheme, and they will respond appropriately in accordance with due process.

Additionally, the investigation yielded the seizure of another firearm, a shotgun, corporate documents, and electronic devices.

Read more in Spanish:
Attorney General Office
N Digital

29 October 2024