Dominican Republic records largest cocaine seizure
Authorities in the Dominican Republic have revealed that cocaine discovered in the country’s largest-ever drug seizure was intended for Europe.
The drug, hidden in a banana shipment, was found at a port in the capital, Santo Domingo, weighing 9,500kg.
It was concealed in 320 bags, with an estimated street value of $250 million (£196 million).
At least 10 individuals connected to the port are under investigation, with preliminary findings indicating that the bananas came from Guatemala, according to the National Drug Control Directorate.
Communications chief Carlos Denvers stated: “Several unidentified individuals attempted to transfer the drugs to another container, which was set to be shipped to Belgium.”
This seizure greatly surpasses the previous largest one at the same port, which was 2,580kg in 2006.
Monitoring agencies have noted that the Caribbean is reemerging as a key drug trafficking route from Colombia to Europe.
A report from last year highlighted an increase in cocaine use in Western European countries, including the UK, Belgium, France, and Spain.
Europe accounted for 21% of global cocaine consumption in 2020, according to a United Nations report.
Evidence suggests use of the drug is bringing dire health consequences, with recent data showing drug-poisoning deaths in England and Wales hit the highest level in 30 years, fuelled by a 30% rise in fatalities involving cocaine.
