San Juan, Barahona Drug Raids Lead to 61 Arrests

Authorities detained at least 61 people and seized a combined 5,436.90 grams of suspected narcotics during a series of operations targeting street-level drug trafficking in the Dominican provinces of San Juan and Barahona.

The operations were carried out jointly by the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the National Police as part of efforts to dismantle drug-selling points and strengthen public safety. The DNCD is the Dominican government agency responsible for preventing and combating illicit drug production, trafficking and distribution.

Operations in San Juan

In San Juan province, authorities conducted 487 operations and six coordinated raids involving prosecutors. The actions covered San Juan de la Maguana, Las Matas de Farfán, El Cercado, Comendador and the Carrizal Task Force area.

The operations resulted in the seizure of 1,784.20 grams of suspected cocaine, 482 grams of marijuana and 4.5 doses of crack, according to the authorities. Six precision scales were also confiscated during the interventions.

Barahona Seizures

Authorities reported additional seizures in Barahona, a province on the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic. The operations there resulted in the confiscation of 2,917 grams of suspected cocaine, 250 grams of marijuana and two doses of crack.

Six additional scales were seized in Barahona. The combined cocaine seizures reported in the two provinces accounted for the largest share of the narcotics recovered during the operation.

Cash, Vehicles and Other Items Seized

Beyond the suspected narcotics, investigators confiscated RD$29,518 in Dominican currency and US$34. Authorities also took 20 mobile phones, a two-way radio, a slot machine, four motorcycles and three bladed weapons.

The authorities said the 61 detainees and all seized evidence were placed under the custody of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the respective jurisdictions. The cases will proceed through the corresponding judicial processes.

The reported seizures remain subject to the legal and evidentiary procedures established under Dominican law. Laboratory analysis and judicial proceedings determine the nature of seized substances and the legal status of individuals facing charges.