Authorities seize illicit alcohol, premium cigarettes and medicines in Villa Consuelo

Santo Domingo.- Authorities seized more than 119,000 units of alcoholic beverages, premium cigarettes, sexual stimulants and medicines during an operation at a business owned by Chinese nationals in Villa Consuelo, Santo Domingo.

The operation, coordinated by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM) through the Illicit Activities Committee, resulted in the seizure of 119,708 units of merchandise with a preliminary value of RD$19.48 million.

The Specialized Corps for the Control of Fuels and Trade of Goods (Ceccom) carried out the operation with support from the General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Health Products (Digemaps), the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) and Public Ministry prosecutors.

Authorities said the seized products lacked the required health registrations and had serious labeling irregularities, indicating that they were being marketed illegally and could pose risks to consumers while also facilitating tax evasion.

MICM Minister Yayo Sanz Lovatón said the government will continue taking action against businesses that operate outside commercial, health and tax regulations, while highlighting the coordination among the agencies involved.

Five Haitian nationals with irregular immigration status were also detained during the operation and handed over to immigration authorities.

The seized merchandise was placed under strict chain of custody and transferred to Ceccom headquarters for the corresponding legal and institutional procedures.