A high-ranking police colonel and several of his subordinates have been arrested in connection with the theft of over 900,000 rounds of ammunition from a police armory. Operation Pandora, a joint operation between Dominican intelligence agencies and the Organization of American States (OAS) mission in Haiti, led to the arrests.
Haiti Libre reported on the weapons and ammunition stolen from the arsenal of the Dominican police and sold to gangs in Haiti. The investigation in the Dominican Republic began after a new Minister of Interior and Police was appointed in August 2024. Minister Faride Raful announced investigations after being alerted by the Haitian National Police (PNH). Dominican police officers, including at least one high-ranking officer, are allegedly involved in this arms trafficking network.
Colonel Narciso Antonio Féliz Romero, the former head of weapons custody, is alleged to have led a criminal ring that systematically stole ammunition from police facilities. According to the investigation, these munitions were being sold to gangs in neighboring Haiti.
Along with Colonel Féliz Romero, several other officers, including captains, sergeants, and enlisted personnel, have been detained. The names of these is included in a press release on the matter issued by the Attorney General Office. Authorities say the group altered audit results to conceal the thefts.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had been engaged in a complex criminal operation involving multiple illegal activities. Evidence collected during raids includes weapons, ammunition, digital devices, and financial records.
The accused are expected to face charges of association with a criminal organization, theft, and other related offenses. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for the coming days.
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Attorney General Office
Diario Libre
El Dia
Hoy
Haiti Libre
18 November 2024