Abinader pledges “unlimited” collaboration with the U.S. in fight against drug trafficking

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s commitment to collaborating “without limits” with the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and crime. Speaking at his weekly press conference, Abinader emphasized the country’s strong partnership with the U.S., following remarks from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who praised the Dominican Republic’s role in intercepting drug shipments bound for American territory.

The president’s statement coincided with the arrest of Efraín Sánchez Cabanillas, alias “Bala,” a member of the Sinaloa cartel wanted in the U.S. for trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines. He was apprehended at Punta Cana International Airport while attempting to board a commercial flight. The operation was carried out by the Dominican National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, with support from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Marshals Service.

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In addition, the DEA assisted in the December 2024 seizure of 9.8 tons of cocaine at the Caucedo Multimodal Port—the largest drug bust in the Dominican Republic and one of the biggest in the Caribbean. Authorities continue to strengthen enforcement efforts to combat international drug trafficking.