In a historic operation, authorities in the Dominican Republic confiscated nearly 9.5 tonnes of cocaine, the largest drug seizure in the country’s history. The drugs, valued at $250 million (£196 million), were hidden in a banana shipment that arrived at the Caucedo seaport in Santo Domingo.
Cocaine from Guatemala Bound for Belgium Intercepted
The shipment, which originated in Guatemala, was destined for Belgium. Authorities discovered that traffickers had planned to transfer the cocaine into another container for shipment to Europe.
Ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the bust. This seizure surpasses the previous record of 2.6 tonnes confiscated at the same port in 2006.
This year, Dominican authorities have seized nearly 47 tonnes of drugs, underscoring the country’s role in combatting drug trafficking. According to InSight Crime, the Caribbean is becoming a key cocaine route to Europe, driven by rising demand. Major transport hubs like Caucedo offer traffickers the opportunity to smuggle drugs to European markets.
