Authorities in the Dominican Republic have seized nearly 9.5 tonnes of cocaine, setting a new record for the country’s largest drug haul. The drugs, worth $250 million (£196 million), were discovered in a banana shipment that arrived at the Caucedo seaport in Santo Domingo.
Cocaine Shipment from Guatemala Bound for Belgium Intercepted
The shipment, which originated in Guatemala, was destined for Belgium, according to Carlos Devers, spokesperson for the Dominican Republic’s anti-drug agency. Authorities revealed that an attempt was made to transfer the drugs to another container that would then be shipped to Europe.
Ten suspects have been arrested in connection with the operation. This seizure surpasses the previous record of 2.6 tonnes seized at the same port in 2006.
Dominican authorities have already intercepted nearly 47 tonnes of illegal drugs this year. According to InSight Crime, these record-breaking busts reflect the Caribbean’s growing role as a key cocaine trafficking route to Europe, driven by surging demand.