A high-ranking member of the Dominican Air Force has been extradited to the United States to face federal charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, according to government records.
Pedro José Espinal Arthur, a captain in the Air Force who served as the military coordinator for the Migration Agency at La Romana International Airport until May 2024, was handed over to US authorities in late January. The extradition was finalized through Decree No. 48-26, signed by President Luis Abinader.
The charges
Espinal Arthur is facing a multi-count indictment in the US District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. According to the judicial documents, the former officer is charged with:
• Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
• Aiding and abetting the distribution of controlled substances.
• Conspiracy to commit money laundering and facilitating the movement of illicit funds.
The criminal case, identified as Case No. 3:24-cr-00025-PAD, stems from an indictment filed on 31 January 2024.
The extradition process
Following a formal diplomatic request from the US Embassy in May 2025, the Dominican Supreme Court moved forward with the legal proceedings. During a public hearing held on 15 January 2026, Espinal Arthur waived his right to a full extradition trial and voluntarily accepted “simplified extradition.”
A dual income
Payroll records from the Migration Agency reveal that as of May 2024, Espinal Arthur earned a monthly salary of RD$40,000 as an airport coordinator. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Defense confirmed he received a captain’s salary of RD$34,575.75.
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Listin Diario
12 February 2026