Authorities in the Dominican Republic seized 806 packages of cocaine after intercepting a speedboat in the waters of Pedernales province. The operation was carried out by agents from the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), with support from the Navy (ARD) and the Air Force (FARD). The operation was conducted under the direct coordination of the Operation Southern Spear, an initiative recently launched by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, and backed by Donald Trump's administration as part of its strategy to pressure and combat criminal networks operating from Venezuela and other parts of the region.
This seizure represents the second Dominican action in support of the U.S. operation, confirming the Caribbean country's commitment to multilateral efforts to dismantle organizations linked to transnational trafficking.
Operation details and initial investigations
According to the official statement, the intercepted vessel—27 feet long and equipped with two 60 HP outboard motors—was carrying 24 bundles with the 806 packages of the illicit substance. After hours of pursuit, authorities managed to stop the boat several nautical miles south of Beata Island.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of a satellite radio, a GPS, two mobile phones, tarps, water, food, personal documents, and other key items to advance the investigation. Intelligence reports indicate that the boat's final destination was the Dominican coast, possibly to redistribute the drugs along Caribbean routes.
