U.S. Embassy praises President Abinader for support in fight against synthetic drugs

Santo Domingo.- U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Patricia Aguilera praised President Luis Abinader for his leadership in supporting the fight against synthetic drugs, particularly in response to the U.S. call for international collaboration. Speaking at the opening of the International Conference on “Emerging Trends in Illicit Synthetic Drugs,” Aguilera emphasized the joint commitment to protecting communities and building a drug-free future.

The Dominican Republic, through the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), is working with the U.S. Embassy’s Anti-Narcotics Affairs Section (INL) and the DEA to develop strategies to combat fentanyl and other synthetic drugs in the Caribbean and Europe. Alongside Belgium, the country was selected last year to co-lead this international effort.

The three-day event features technical training for Dominican security forces, focusing on dismantling clandestine drug labs and preserving evidence. Vice Admiral José Manuel Cabrera Ulloa, head of the DNCD, and DEA representative Justin Hitz both underscored the strength of the U.S.-Dominican partnership in tackling transnational organized crime. The initiative also includes enhanced security protocols at ports and airports nationwide.