United States Drug Enforcement Administration

San Juan, Puerto Rico — On April 17, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division, in close coordination with its international and interagency partners, supported a significant narcotics interdiction operation conducted by the Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas (DNCD) that resulted in the seizure of 1,707 kilograms (1.7 metric tons) of cocaine off the coast of Pedernales, Dominican Republic.

This operation represents one of the largest cocaine seizures in the Dominican Republic’s recent history and underscores the effectiveness of sustained, intelligence-driven collaboration among regional and international law enforcement agencies.

“This seizure is a direct result of strong international partnerships and a shared commitment to protecting our communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Martinez of the DEA Caribbean Division. “Our collaboration with the DNCD, JIATF-South, and Dominican security forces demonstrates how coordinated enforcement efforts can successfully target and dismantle transnational criminal networks operating throughout the Caribbean region.”

The interdiction was executed through a joint and combined effort involving the DNCD, Dominican military components, including naval and air assets, and was supported by the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South) and the DEA Caribbean Division. The operation culminated in the successful disruption of a major transnational criminal organization engaged in large-scale drug trafficking across the Caribbean corridor.

Laboratory analysis conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Forenses (INACIF) confirmed the seized shipment tested positive for cocaine.

Authorities reported that the interdiction occurred during an active enforcement encounter, highlighting the risks law enforcement personnel face daily in confronting heavily resourced criminal organizations. Following the seizure, Dominican authorities have maintained an active security presence in the area, conducting ongoing search, surveillance, and investigative operations to identify additional suspects and gather critical evidence.

The DEA Caribbean Division continues to prioritize intelligence sharing, joint operations, and strategic partnerships with regional counterparts to disrupt illicit drug flows and safeguard the Caribbean and the United States.