Dominican, U.S. agents nab Italy-bound drug shipment

Santo Domingo.- The National Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) on Tuesday said it seized 198 packages of cocaine headed to Italy in a container filled with cacao beans at Caucedo port, Boca Chica, and “arrests expected at any moment.”

It said the drug was seized by a team formed by DP-World security, Customs, Navy, Armed Forces Intelligence, National Investigations Dept. (DNI), Port Security, United States ICE and DNCD agents. "The drug was distributed in six bundles in a 40-foot container number CUBU403140-7."

The agency said the boat arrived at Caucedo from Costa Rica, and was to make a stop at Pont-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe before setting course for Europe.

In a statement, the DNCD said the container was subjected to a second inspection after the agents noticed that the screws had been removed from the bars to open the door, where the seals were placed. "The DNCD and the Santo Domingo Province Office of the Prosecutor are responsible for investigation to detain people linked to the aborted drug operation, leaving open the possibility that such arrests could occur at any time.”