Santo Domingo.– President
Luis Abinader reported this Monday that, between 2020 and 2025, the
National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) managed to seize
226,046 kilograms of drugs through national and international operations. Of that total, 158,672.94 kilos were seized in Dominican territory and 67,373.79 kilos abroad, thanks to joint intelligence actions.
The president also highlighted the seizure of 144 vessels, 13,446 vehicles, 1,596 firearms, seven aircraft, and financial assets exceeding
USD$13 million and more than RD$188 million. He pointed out that, in this same period, 182,815 people linked to drug trafficking, micro-trafficking, money laundering, and related activities were arrested.
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These pieces of information were offered by President Abinader during LA Semanal con la Prensa, which takes place every Monday in the Las Cariátides hall of the National Palace and which today had the title “The fight continues”.
Abinader emphasized that the DNCD carried out 9,685 raids and 921,823 interdictions in public spaces only in internal operations, which allowed the arrest of 171,206 people and the seizure of 46.6 million grams of drugs. He also reported the seizure of RD$145 million, USD$595 thousand and EUR$1,512, as well as 1,443 firearms, thousands of bladed weapons, motorcycles, mobile phones, communication equipment, bulletproof vests and scales used in illicit activities.
In the International Environment
In the international arena, the head of state highlighted the extradition of 170 fugitives wanted by U.S. courts and 72 additional deportations, placing the Dominican Republic in third place worldwide in cooperation with the U.S. Marshals Service, in coordination with agencies such as the DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and INTERPOL.
The president also highlighted the creation of the Department on Synthetic Drugs and New Psychoactive Substances, the implementation of a Specialized Center for Documentation and Technical Intelligence —the first in the region—, and the promotion of the comprehensive reform of Law 50-88, which contemplates more severe sanctions, the creation of specialized courts, and prevention measures with a focus on public health.
Chemical Control and Precursors
In terms of chemical control and precursors, preventive controls were implemented for companies and applicants for new licenses, the Digital DNCD Project for prescription validation, the refurbishment of controlled medical deposits and substances, resolution 001-2025 for service adjustment, and decree 275-21 for the elimination of adulterated alcohol, preventing the diversion of materials towards illicit production.
Academic Background
Academic training has been key: 885 activities such as courses, workshops, diplomas and talks were carried out, impacting 48,163 people, with a focus on prevention and technical strengthening. In parallel, the Prevention Route (Pilot), aimed at children, adolescents and young people from vulnerable populations, has reached 450 students in 49 educational centers, training 48 professionals (directors and psychologists) in a multi-sector model that involves community leaders.
Internal drug trafficking
In operations against the internal drug trafficking for consumption (OCTCI), 9,685 raids and 921,823 interventions in public spaces were carried out, resulting in 171,206 people arrested linked to micro-trafficking and related crimes, with the seizure of more than 46.6 million grams of drugs.
Additional seizures total RD$145 million, US$595 thousand, and EUR 1,512, along with 1,443 firearms, bladed weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, telephones, communication radios, bulletproof vests, scales, and slot machines. All of this is supported by a technological and tactical modernization for national security.
Ports and Airports
In ports and airports, surveillance was reinforced with anti-narcotics agents and canine units in key facilities such as airports in the Americas, Punta Cana, Cibao, Puerto Plata, Haina Oriental, and Montecristi. Coordination with the National Navy incorporated innovations such as the automated inspection system, allowing the detection of contaminated shipments, such as liquid cocaine hidden in a domino set destined for Europe. This resulted in 21 joint operations led by the PGR (14 raids and 7 detections), with 75 people arrested.
The Dominican Republic holds the third global position in extradition cooperation with the U.S. Marshals Service. Furthermore, compliance was achieved with the Vienna (1988) and Palermo (2000) Conventions, providing legal assistance to Mexico, Germany, Lithuania, Switzerland, Italy, France, Colombia, El Salvador, and the Netherlands, solidifying trust with allied countries.
Finally, in innovation and human resources, the Regional Advanced Training Center (virtual, gym, pool, court) was modernized, the Sports Unit and the Canine Unit were created for 47 operational shipments and others, and the DNCD agent career was established through Decree 301-23. Since 2020, 758 new agents have been incorporated, with support in terms of well-being.
These results not only save lives and protect communities, but also position the Dominican Republic as a bulwark in the global war on drugs. The fight continues, with Abinader reaffirming: “Our victory is collective and permanent.”
These pieces of information were offered by President Abinader during LA Semanal con la Prensa, which takes place every Monday in the Las Cariátides hall of the National Palace and which today had the title “The fight continues”.
Abinader emphasized that the DNCD carried out 9,685 raids and 921,823 interdictions in public spaces only in internal operations, which allowed the arrest of 171,206 people and the seizure of 46.6 million grams of drugs. He also reported the seizure of RD$145 million, USD$595 thousand and EUR$1,512, as well as 1,443 firearms, thousands of bladed weapons, motorcycles, mobile phones, communication equipment, bulletproof vests and scales used in illicit activities.
