Authorities in the Dominican Republic have confiscated nearly 9.5 tonnes of cocaine, worth $250m, making it the country’s largest ever drug seizure. The shipment was found in a banana container that arrived from Guatemala and was destined for Belgium.
Ten suspects have been detained in connection with the seizure. This is the third major haul of drugs seized by Dominican authorities this year, bringing the total to nearly 47 tonnes. Thinktank InSight Crime says the seizures suggest the Caribbean is becoming a key trafficking route for cocaine from Colombia to Europe.
The increase in demand has led traffickers to boost their efforts, using the region as a conduit to smuggle cocaine to European markets. Large transport hubs in the Dominican Republic provide extensive opportunities for traffickers, making it an attractive spot for smuggling operations.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/07/dominican-republic-seizes-record-95-tonnes-of-cocaine-in-banana-shipment