DNCD seizes over 3,000 suspected Marijuana plants in Ocoa operation

San José de Ocoa, D.R.- Authorities dismantled an illegal marijuana plantation containing more than 3,000 suspected cannabis plants in a remote mountainous area of San José de Ocoa province and arrested three individuals during a large-scale anti-drug operation, the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) reported.

The operation, carried out by DNCD agents and prosecutors with support from the Dominican Air Force and intelligence agencies, took place on a farm in the municipal district of El Pinar. In addition to the cultivated plants, authorities seized five containers of marijuana, germinating seedlings, and equipment allegedly used for the cultivation, drying, processing, and packaging of the drug.

Investigators said the property included a residence that was being used as a storage and processing center. Among the items confiscated were solar panels, fans, a water pump, drying equipment, vacuum-seal packaging materials, communication devices, a cellphone, and a motorcycle.

Three suspects, including two Haitian nationals, were taken into custody and turned over to the Public Ministry for prosecution. Authorities said investigations remain ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals potentially linked to the operation.

The DNCD noted that extracting the plants and transporting the evidence took more than 12 hours due to the difficult terrain, requiring the use of mules and horses. The seized plants have been sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF), which will determine their exact weight and quantity.