U.S. pledges long term help for Dominican Republic‘s war on drug trafficking

Santo Domingo.- United States undersecretary for Drug Enforcement, William R. Brownfield, on Monday said Washington will provide the resources needed to support Dominican Republic‘s fight against drug trafficking in the coming years.

"I will not fall into the trap of stating specific numbers, but I will say that we will support and assist in of capacity building against illicit drugs, port, border security, efforts against organized crime, specifically laundering, financial crimes and support and training for police," the official said.

Brownfield was received by President Danilo Medina in his office Monday afternoon and discussed collaboration to support the Dominican government’s efforts and provide better security.

He had met earlier with National Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) president Rolando Rosado, as part of a two-day visit to the country which ends today.

He was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Raul Yzaguirre, embassy chief of staff Daniel Foote, and the embassy’s Chief Narcotics official, Mario Fernandez.

"All of us agree that in the months and years to come, the problem, the threat and danger of illicit drugs will increase, but the fault lies not with the Dominican Republic or its people," Brownfield said.