439 arrested for environmental offenses in Los Haitises National Park

Santo Domingo.- The joint intervention conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MMARN), in collaboration with the Public Ministry and Ministry of Defense, within the Los Haitises National Park, has culminated in the apprehension of 439 individuals engaged in illicit activities, including “conuquismo” and other environmental offenses within the park.

The National Environmental Protection Service (Senpa), led by Captain René Rodríguez Álvarez, disclosed that military units from various branches of the Ministry of Defense handed over a total of 431 Haitian nationals to the General Directorate of Migration for appropriate action. Additionally, six Dominicans and two Haitians were transferred to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Defense of the Environment and Natural Resources (Proedemaren).

Court attorney Francisco Contreras, head of the aforementioned department within the Public Ministry, outlined that the eight detainees are facing charges under Law 64-00 on Environment and Natural Resources, as well as Law 202-04 concerning Protected Areas.

The operation, spanning from last Tuesday to Sunday, targeted 62 illegal farms established by individuals encroaching upon the forest within the national park, primarily for the cultivation of crops such as yautia.

Over 200 personnel, organized into five task teams under the leadership of Army Colonel Alejandro Santana Mota, participated in the operation to combat environmental crimes within the park. Coordinated by Captain Rodríguez Álvarez, the troops seized 14 animals, which were handed over to the General Directorate of Livestock, and five animals were returned to park rangers.

Furthermore, 27 pieces of equipment were confiscated, 20 shacks demolished, and two boats along with two outboard motors were seized. Additionally, seven motorcycles were impounded. The operation led to the arrest of 59 Haitian women, with a total of 69 foreigners detained in the Pilancón area, 16 in Los Limones, 152 in Laguna Cristal, and 194 in Sabana de la Mar, according to the latest report from Senpa.

Captain Rodríguez Álvarez expressed satisfaction with the operation’s outcome, attributing its success to the concerted efforts of all involved personnel. He announced the deployment of approximately 70 personnel to support Senpa and park rangers in controlling access and exit points within the park, which holds significant hydrological and biodiversity value for Dominicans.

Various government agencies, including the General Directorate of Immigration, the Army, Navy, and Air Force of the Dominican Republic, the National Police, the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), the National Investigation Department (DNI), the Quiet City Joint Task Force (FTC-Ciutran), and the Military and Police Commission (Comipol), collaborated in the operation. Additionally, personnel from the Ministries of Agriculture, the National Council for Children (Conani), the General Directorate of Livestock, the Social Assistance Plan of the Presidency, and the Economic Kitchens of the Dominican State participated in the joint effort.