The confiscation of 953 kilograms of cocaine by the National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD) in September of 1994, has received considerable news media coverage of late because of the connection with Rolando Florian Feliz, the drug trafficker who, it is alleged, was the main connection between the D.R. and the Cali cartel. The latest development has been the arrest of Mr. Florian’s lawyer, Rodolfo Herasma. Mr. Herasma is accused of falsifying travel documents for Mr. Florian and his wife Belkys Matos, and purchasing equipment and weapons used in Mr. Florian’s drug-trafficking organization. Mr. Herasma was one of a number of suspects that were apparently “on the run”. Many are still being pursued by the DNCD.
In addition to the involvement of Mr. Herasme, Judge Rosa Maria Alba Pelaez, who holds office in Barahona, is facing a disciplinary hearing to be held on 17 September in connection with alleged “irregularities” found in her decision to order the release of some of the suspects implicated in the case.