Operation Buffalo NK targets major transnational drug trafficking network

Santo Domingo.- The Public Ministry (MP), National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD), Ministry of Defense, DEA, and the United States Southern Command have launched Operation Buffalo NK, a large-scale effort targeting transnational drug trafficking and money laundering.

With over 400 personnel, air, sea, and land units, and 47 prosecutors, the operation conducted 37 simultaneous raids across multiple provinces. The goal is to dismantle a drug trafficking network that has transported large quantities of drugs from Colombia and Venezuela to Puerto Rico, the U.S., and Europe via speedboats and fishing vessels.

During the raids, approximately two tons of cocaine were seized, and over 10 people were arrested, including leaders Rafael Ynoa Santana (alias El Cojo) and Isidoro Rotestan Clase (alias El Men). Authorities revealed that Ynoa Santana had ties to Juan Carlos López Macias (alias El Sobrino), a key figure in an international drug organization linked to Colombian and Mexican criminal groups. López Macias had been arrested in 2022 during Operation “Troy” in Colombia and was alleged to have financed political campaigns, though Colombian President Gustavo Petro later denied such claims.

The criminal network was also involved in contract killings, extortion, and money laundering. Investigations leading to Operation Buffalo NK were bolstered by international cooperation, particularly with Colombia. Authorities are continuing to process evidence and seized assets, with court proceedings for those arrested expected within 48 hours.