Spanish police seize record cocaine haul in banana shipment from Ecuador
GuardianNov 10
Dominican Republic Conducts Record Cocaine Seizure
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Above: Packages of suspected drugs at the National Drug Control Directorate in Santo Domingo on Dec. 6, 2024. Image copyright: Francesco Spotorno/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Authorities in the Dominican Republic announced on Saturday the seizure of roughly 9.5 tons — around 21K pounds — of cocaine in a banana shipment, marking the largest drug seizure in the country’s history.
The shipment, valued at $250M, arrived from Guatemala at Caucedo port — the main seaport in the capital of Santo Domingo — and was destined for Belgium. Ten suspects have so far been arrested, according to a spokesman for the country's anti-drug agency.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The DR has made significant strides in combatting drug trafficking through joint operations and institutional reforms with allies like the US. Recent arrests of key drug ring leaders highlight the collaboration between agencies and law enforcement, bolstered by the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. By accepting US training and implementing technology upgrades and anti-corruption measures, the government has achieved these record drug seizures.
Establishment-critical narrative
While drug busts are welcome news, Latin American countries should have never put their full trust in the US on this issue. Strong evidence suggests that CIA and military contractors have facilitated drug trafficking in the region for decades, with former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan confessing to helping to build drug networks in South America on behalf of the CIA. Sovereign countries should never be used as bases for corrupt, larger countries to conduct criminal business.
