UPDATE: The Dominican Republic has confirmed the recovery of 377 packages of cocaine from a speedboat destroyed by the U.S. Navy in a dramatic anti-narcotics operation. This urgent development highlights escalating tensions in the Caribbean as the Trump administration intensifies its controversial drug enforcement efforts.
Authorities announced that the operation took place approximately 80 nautical miles south of Isla Beata, a small island under Dominican jurisdiction. The speedboat was reportedly transporting nearly 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, aimed at using the Dominican Republic as a “bridge” for drug trafficking to the United States.
In a press conference, the Dominican Republic’s National Directorate for Drug Control stated that this operation marks a historic collaboration between the U.S. and Dominican authorities against narco-terrorism in the region. “This is the first time in history that the United States and the Dominican Republic carry out a joint operation against narco terrorism in the Caribbean,” officials declared.
The U.S. Navy has deployed significant resources to this mission, including eight warships and a submarine, as part of an initiative announced in August 2023. The flotilla has reportedly destroyed three drug-laden speedboats in separate strikes, resulting in over a dozen fatalities aboard those vessels. Human rights advocates are raising alarms, labeling these actions as extrajudicial killings.
As the situation unfolds, two Democratic senators introduced a resolution in Congress on Friday aimed at halting further military strikes in the Caribbean, reflecting growing concerns over the administration’s tactics. The Trump administration has alleged that some of the destroyed vessels originated from Venezuela, whose president, Nicolás Maduro, has been accused of leading a drug trafficking organization known as the Cartel of the Suns. Maduro vehemently denies these accusations, framing the U.S. military buildup as an aggressive maneuver against his government.
With tensions escalating and international scrutiny increasing, the Dominican Republic’s role in drug enforcement is more crucial than ever. Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the situation as investigations continue. Watch for developments as the Caribbean becomes a focal point in the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking.