Dominican authorities seize 1.3 tons of cocaine off Baní coast

Dominican authorities, with support from the U.S. DEA and the Colombian Air Force, seized 1,360 packages of suspected cocaine (1.3 tons) and 30 blocks of what appears to be marijuana during a maritime operation off the coast of Baní, Peravia province. Three Dominican men were arrested after a pursuit lasting more than 15 hours Source: Listín Diario. The operation, coordinated by the DNCD and the Public Ministry, involved air, sea, and land units that intercepted a 32-foot vessel without name or registration, equipped with two 250-horsepower outboard motors, several miles south of Punta Salinas Source: Hoy.

Seizure details

• The vessel contained 55 bales holding the 1,360 cocaine packages and 30 blocks of a vegetable substance presumed to be marijuana, totaling 1,390 packages Source: El Caribe.
• Authorities also seized a satellite communication radio, 12 fuel tanks, a jerrycan, tarps, ropes, water, energy drinks, and food, consistent with a long-distance voyage Source: El Día.
• The packages were sent under chain of custody to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for laboratory analysis to determine the exact type and weight Source: Diario Libre.

Arrests and investigation

The three detainees were identified as Luis Enríquez Díaz Sánchez, Michael Antonio Herrera Guerrero, and Víctor Alfonso Morel Díaz, according to DNCD spokesman Carlos Devers. They are expected to face charges under Law 50-88 on drugs and controlled substances Source: Listín Diario. The Public Ministry and DNCD continue investigating to identify other members of the network, whose modus operandi involves bringing drugs from South America in fast boats Source: Infobae.

Context

This seizure adds to more than 27 tons of drugs confiscated by Dominican authorities so far in 2026, according to DNCD statistics Source: El Día. The operation occurs amid the U.S. "Operation Southern Lance" against drug trafficking in Latin America Source: El Caribe.