The National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD) announced the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization that was allegedly transporting illegal narcotics to Puerto Rico. The operation resulted in the arrest of 29 individuals, including five Puerto Ricans and 17 Russian crew members connected to a ship utilized for drug transport. Authorities also seized multiple luxury properties, a ship, a launch, and an airplane during this operation.
Details of the Operation
This gang, composed of members from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia, reportedly received cocaine shipments from South America, which they planned to distribute to Puerto Rico and possibly other locations in the United States. Major General Rolando Rosado Mateo, head of the DNCD, stated that the investigation into this group had been ongoing for approximately a year and a half.
The operation, named “Operation Earthquake,” was executed by the Tactical Division of Sensitive Investigations (DITIS), an elite unit that collaborates closely with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to monitor and dismantle drug trafficking networks using the Dominican Republic for transport. The operation revealed that various luxury villas in Casa de Campo served as bases for their operations, with one property valued at over $20 million.
Among those arrested are Omar Alberto Diaz Pavon, identified as the leader of the network and owner of luxury villas; Eduardo Larios Sanchez, who owned the ship and launch containing 122 kilos of cocaine; and Alez Ocasio, the pilot of an airplane captured at La Romana Airport. Also detained were several Dominican nationals and a Colombian woman, including individuals with prior drug-related charges.
Rosado Mateo emphasized that the gang was mainly engaged in drug trafficking, receiving shipments particularly from Colombia. The profits generated from these illegal activities were reportedly used to invest in high-value properties.
In related developments, the DNCD commander confirmed the presence of the Sinaloa cartel within the Dominican Republic, citing ongoing investigations and arrests of individuals linked to this criminal organization.
This operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Dominican authorities in combating drug trafficking and the complexities of international drug distribution networks involving multiple countries.
Why It Matters
The bust of this drug trafficking organization serves as a significant step in addressing drug-related crime in the region. The collaboration between local authorities and international agencies underscores a commitment to combatting organized crime and enhancing public safety. Additionally, the involvement of high-value properties in drug operations raises concerns about the influence of illicit activities on legitimate economic sectors.
