In a joint operation, the Dominican Republic’s National Drug Control Agency (DNCD), the Public Ministry, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the US Marshals Service apprehended a Mexican national and active member of the Sinaloa Cartel. Efrain Sánchez Cabanillas, also known as “Bala,” is wanted in the United States on charges of trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines.
Sánchez Cabanillas was arrested at Punta Cana International Airport as he attempted to leave the country on a commercial flight. He was under surveillance by authorities who considered him a high-value target for US law enforcement.
The 38-year-old is accused of conspiring to distribute and possess 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms of cocaine, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamines. These charges were filed in a Massachusetts District Court.
Dominican authorities acted according to Article 15 of Law 285-04 on migration, which prohibits the entry of foreigners with criminal records or fugitives from justice.
The Dominican Republic affirmed its commitment to continue working diligently to arrest and prevent fugitives linked to drug trafficking and transnational crime from seeking refuge within its borders.
The capture and subsequent extradition of Sánchez Cabanillas highlight the strengthened efforts by Dominican authorities, with the support of allied nations, to pursue and apprehend fugitives involved in transnational criminal activities.
The Sinaloa cartel is one of Mexico’s most powerful and notorious cartels. The Sinaloa cartel is known for its involvement in the production, transportation, and distribution of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. The arrest is a step forward in disrupting the cartel’s operations and bringing those responsible to justice.
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DNCD
18 February 20925