Dominican Republic Seizes Record Cocaine Shipment Bound for Europe

Authorities in the Dominican Republic announced a major cocaine seizure, uncovering 9,500kg of the drug hidden in a shipment of bananas at a port in Santo Domingo. This record haul, valued at approximately $250 million, is linked to organized crime networks targeting Europe as a key market. The National Drug Control Directorate has announced an investigation into at least 10 individuals associated with the port, as they believe the cocaine originated from Guatemala.

Carlos Denvers, the communications chief for the Directorate, highlighted that attempts were made to transfer the cocaine into another container destined for Belgium. This seizure marks a substantial increase from the 2,580kg confiscated in 2006 at the same location, underscoring the growing importance of Caribbean routes for drug trafficking from Colombia.

Reports indicate a rise in cocaine use across Western Europe, with statistics showing that 21% of global cocaine users resided in Europe in 2020. Alarmingly, deaths related to drug overdoses in the UK and Wales reached a peak not seen in three decades, driven by increased cocaine-related fatalities.

In light of this escalating drug crisis, Dominican authorities remain vigilant, aiming to dismantle the operations behind these high-stakes drug shipments while ensuring the safety of their communities.