Dominican authorities launch Operation LM2 against cocaine trafficking network
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Public Prosecutor’s Office and the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) launched Operation LM2, a coordinated investigation targeting a criminal organization allegedly involved in trafficking cocaine to the United States and Europe.
The operation involved 13 prosecutors and more than 150 DNCD agents, who carried out simultaneous raids and interventions in Greater Santo Domingo, Hato Mayor and Santiago. Authorities seized 168 packages of a substance presumed to be cocaine, along with high-end vehicles, a truck, cash, weapons and documents linked to the investigation.
Among those arrested was José Miguel Ceballos Rosario, known as “El Viajero,” identified by authorities as one of the alleged leaders of the criminal organization. Other suspects remain under pursuit, and authorities called on them to surrender through the appropriate legal channels.
Cocaine allegedly concealed in metal structures
The 168 packages were discovered inside 31 metal tubes or bars at a building in Villa Vásquez, Montecristi, that investigators identified as a drug collection and preparation site. The location also contained hundreds of cardboard boxes, tools and other materials allegedly used to package and conceal controlled substances.
According to investigators, the organization allegedly shipped large quantities of cocaine to the United States and Europe, concealing the drugs in boxes with false bottoms and metal structures. Established companies and shell companies were allegedly used to make the shipments appear to contain legitimate merchandise.
Operation LM2 stems from an earlier investigation into a criminal network dismantled through raids in La Vega and Monseñor Nouel. Those operations resulted in the seizure of 392 sheets of cocaine, three rifles, vehicles and machinery allegedly used to package and conceal drugs.
The investigation dates back to July 2023, when authorities raided a farm in Jayaco and discovered hundreds of cardboard boxes, many with false bottoms containing cocaine. A residence in Rincones de La Vega allegedly used as a collection center was also searched.
Three people were arrested in that case. The Public Prosecutor’s Office subsequently prosecuted Basilio Saturria Mosquea, Danckeline De La Cruz and José Luis Santana Vargas, who were each sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Collegiate Court of La Vega. The court also ordered the confiscation of assets connected to the case.
