The National Police Anti-Narcotics Department (DICAN) revealed the discovery of an underground narcotics laboratory, mainly used for cocaine, described by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that collaborated in the operation as “the largest in the Caribbean” to the general public yesterday, Sunday, 1 September. As reported in Listin Diario, the underground lab is located in a compound in La Rosa, Sabana Toro, San Cristobal belonging to two Colombians who were arrested last week and accused of drug trafficking. The DEA representative said underground labs of this type had only ever been found in the Colombian jungles. In addition, around 225 kilograms of cocaine paste was found, sufficient to prepare 2,000 kilos of cocaine hydrochloride, according to Police chief General Manuel Castro Castillo.
Hoy reports that one of the police agents guarding the residence discovered the lab when patrolling in the 314,500 square meter (500 tareas) farm. DICAN had been on the trail of intelligence resulting from surveillance of drug distributors in Santo Domingo. Police say that Colombians Johan Jairon Estrada and Angel Fernandez Vargas built the underground lab near the house in the farm compound. The two men were arrested and are serving three months preventive custody at Najayo Jail. The Police confiscated the luxurious residence, firearms and other belongings in the search. The operation was headed by DICAN director Colonel Carlos Fernandez Valerio, and colonels Felix Fernandez and Anibal Uribe. Prosecutor Diomeris Soto and another seven prosecutors from San Cristobal were also present. The prosecutor for asset laundering German Miranda Villalona also visited the site.
www.listin.com.do/la-republica/2013/9/1/290476/Descubren-laboratorio-de-drogas-soterrado-considerado-por
www.diariolibre.com/noticias/2013/09/02/i400537_policaa-nacional-descubre-laboratorio-droga-san-cristabal.html