Enhanced round-the-clock surveillance implemented in Los Haitises National Park

The Ministry of Defense announced that, with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, they are committed to ongoing patrols and access control operations in the park. As a result of these measures, 16 individuals have been arrested. Eleven of them have been referred to the Specialized Attorney for the Defense of the Environment for violations of Law 64-00 on the Environment and Natural Resources. The remaining five were handed over to the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) for repatriation to their country of origin.

In addition to the arrests, the authorities have dismantled 29 shacks and two palisades, intervened in four caves used as shelters, eradicated 29 conucos (small agricultural plots), confiscated 10 agricultural tools, and detained nine animals used for transporting goods within the park.

The Ministry of Defense also emphasized that security and deterrence operations in the area are ongoing, supported by members of the Navy and Air Force of the Dominican Republic under Senpa’s operational control. These efforts are further reinforced by auxiliary civil authorities responsible for the care and preservation of natural ecosystems nationwide.

In early May, following the Minister of Defense’s instructions, Armed Forces personnel took part in a Joint and Interagency Special Operation in Los Haitises National Park, which spanned several days. During this operation, over 400 individuals, mostly Haitian nationals, were arrested for environmental crimes. These comprehensive measures aim to prevent further environmental crimes in this protected area.