Dominican Authorities Intercept 1.5 Tons of Cocaine After Prolonged Marine Pursuit

Dominican law enforcement officials announced on Tuesday that a maritime pursuit lasting over 12 hours resulted in the discovery of a staggering 1.5 tons of cocaine aboard a fleeing vessel.

Carlos Devers, who is the spokesperson for the nation's Anti-Drug Agency, described this seizure as one of the most significant in the Caribbean nation's history. The operation kicked off after authorities identified a racing speedboat toward the island, appearing markedly suspicious.

Multiple units participated in the chase—helicopters, boats, and ground vehicles were also engaged in the operation. It commenced on a Monday near Pedernales, located along the country’s southern coastline, and culminated in the detention of four individuals: three from the Dominican Republic and one Colombian national.

Onboard the 35-foot vessel, authorities uncovered 53 bales containing a total of 1,536 individually packed bags of suspicious white powder, believed to be cocaine. Along with the narcotics, law enforcement agents confiscated a range of other items, including a mobile phone, 13 containers of fuel, a small cooler stocked with essentials like water and food, and a backpack containing spare clothing.

Known as a critical hub for drug trafficking, the Dominican Republic regularly intercepts shipments, some intended for European routes. In the previous year, a record-breaking seizure totaled $250 million in value. Across that year alone, more than 46 tons of illegal drugs were confiscated by officials.

The second most substantial drug confiscation in the nation’s history dates back to 2006, when authorities discovered 2.8 tons of cocaine within the Caucedo port.