Dominican authorities seize $40M in counterfeit cigars and mamajuana

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have dealt a major blow to an illicit trade network, seizing 76,859 premium cigars and 2,549 bottles of mamajuana valued at over RD$40.1 million in the province of La Altagracia. The operation, described as historic by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Mipymes (MICM), Eduardo "Yayo" Sanz Lovatón, targeted counterfeit and contraband goods lacking proper sanitary registrations Source: Listín DiarioSource: infobae.

The operation

Coordinated raids were carried out in the municipality of Higüey and the district of La Otra Banda by the MICM, the Specialized Corps for the Control of Merchandise Trade (CECCOM), and the General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Health Products (DIGEMAPS). The operations were supported by the 6th Infantry Brigade of the Dominican Army and prosecutors from the Illicit Trade Eradication Unit, under judicial orders issued by Magistrate Francis Y. Reyes Diloné Source: HoySource: Diario Libre.

Key findings

• 76,859 premium cigars (puros) were seized for alleged counterfeiting, smuggling, and lack of sanitary records Source: Listín Diario.
• 8,518 cigar rings were also confiscated, indicating a scheme to pass off counterfeit products as legitimate brands Source: infobae.
• 2,549 bottles of mamajuana were seized for lacking required health controls, posing health risks to consumers Source: Hoy.

Broader context

Authorities emphasized that the crackdown not only prevents tax evasion but also protects the "Marca País" status of Dominican premium cigars and public health. They noted that the country has recorded no fatalities from adulterated beverages since 2022 Source: Diario Libre. The MICM and CECCOM reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling such illicit structures Source: Listín Diario.