Dominican authorities raid luxury villas in Las Terrenas in drug money laundering investigation
Dominican prosecutors raided luxury villas in Las Terrenas as part of a money laundering investigation tied to a Canadian citizen accused of drug trafficking and illicit asset accumulation.
SANTO DOMINGO. Dominican authorities carried out multiple raids on luxury properties in Las Terrenas, Samaná province, as part of an ongoing financial investigation into alleged money laundering linked to drug trafficking.
The operation was led by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office Against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, in coordination with the Samaná Prosecutor’s Office, targeting properties connected to Martin Marleau (Polcari), a Canadian citizen arrested in December 2025.
According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Marleau was detained after authorities seized approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, 2.42 kilograms of liquid marijuana, and 97 electronic cigarettes containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Investigators also confiscated equipment allegedly used in the preparation and processing of narcotics.
Authorities said their financial investigation revealed that Marleau, who has lived in the Dominican Republic since 2022, experienced a rapid increase in wealth, acquiring luxury villas, high-end vehicles, and other valuable assets.
However, prosecutors stated that they have not identified any legitimate sources of income capable of supporting his apparent wealth. Investigators also reported finding no records of bank transfers or deposits from Canada that would justify his financial capacity.
During the searches of exclusive properties in Las Terrenas, authorities seized documents considered relevant to the investigation, along with information related to luxury real estate and vehicles. The evidence will undergo forensic and financial analysis as investigators continue tracing assets allegedly linked to criminal activity.
The raids were conducted by prosecutors with support from the Financial Investigation Directorate of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD).
The investigation is being overseen by appellate prosecutor Ramona Nova and Samaná prosecutor Erika Pujols, while lead prosecutor Claudio Cordero Jiménez said authorities remain focused on identifying the origin of the assets and determining any criminal and financial liabilities.
Cordero added that the Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking to dismantle the entire criminal network, reaffirming its commitment to combating organized crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering in the Dominican Republic.
