In a year in which the authorities from the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD), the Dominican Customs Agency (DGA), intelligence units of the Armed Forces, and special prosecutors from the Justice Department have come together to garner over 65,000 kilograms of illegal drugs, late last week there was a blockbuster hit on drug trafficking. The drug bust was so big it made headlines around the world.
A container that had arrived to Caucedo Port from Guatemala and was heading to Belgium on Thursday, 5 December 2024 was found to contain the staggering amount of ten tons of cocaine concealed in a banana shipment. The DNCD confirmed the attempted shipment of 9,588 kilograms (21,093.6 lbs = 10.5468 tons) of the illegal substance. The value of the haul is estimated to have a street value of US$250 million, making it, by far, the biggest seizure ever made in the Dominican Republic. At least ten people are being investigated in the case.
The operation began after intelligence reports indicated suspicious activity involving several shipping containers. DNCD agents conducted a thorough inspection of dozens of containers in transit, focusing on those exhibiting unusual movements.
During the inspection, authorities discovered two containers that had been tampered with. One was empty, while the other was loaded with bananas. Upon further investigation, agents found 320 sacks hidden within the containers, each containing a substantial amount of cocaine.
The previous record haul happened back in 2006 at the same Caucedo Port, the country’s largest container port, near Boca Chica. Then the authorities had seized a record 2,582 kilograms. Less than a month ago the agents from the DNCD had seized 2,198kgs, also at Caucedo.
The shipment is scheduled to be incinerated on Monday, 9 December 2024.
A search online reveals that this drug interception is the largest ever detected in Central America and the Caribbean.
The previous record is held by Martinique in March 2024 when the French Navy made headlines by seizing more than 8 tons (specifically 8.3 tons) of cocaine off the coast of Martinique. This operation led to the arrest of eight individuals involved in the trafficking.
In March 2024 also, Colombian authorities intercepted nearly 4 tons (approximately 3,355 kilograms) of cocaine during a high-speed chase involving military ships and planes. This operation involved cooperation between the Colombian Navy and US forces, resulting in a seizure worth over US$113 million.
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9 December 2024