HOLY SUNDAY.-The criminal network linked to the Búfalo NK case moved one of the largest quantities of tons of drugs from the Dominican Republic to the United States, Puerto Rico and Europe during 2020, at a time when the countries were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the Public Ministry’s accusation, the main leaders of the organization, Isidoro Rotestán Clase and Rafael Ynoa Santana, managed to transport more than twelve tons of cocaine in boats, although their operations in the country formally began in 2019 and were dismantled in 2024, through operation Búfalo NK.
Under the command of Rotestán Clase and Ynoa Santana, who received orders from their boss Juan Carlos López Macías, the network maintained international connections with the Sinaloa cartels, in Mexico, and Los Lorenzana, in Guatemala.
Operations 2020
On April 19, 2020, Ynoa Santana coordinated with López Macías the transfer of a shipment of 249 kilos of cocaine by means of a handmade speedboat from the coast of Punta Gallina, Colombia, destined for Dominican waters for subsequent distribution in the United States, Puerto Rico and Spain, according to the Public Ministry’s accusation.
Santiago Martínez Artiles participated in this operation, who assumed the role of captain of the vessel used by the Búfalo NK case network. Rotestán Clase performed supervisory and control functions, validating operations, gathering information and coordinating logistics and handling of merchandise (drugs).
In June of that same year, 338 kilos of cocaine were seized from the BúfaloNK case network in Puerto Rico. The authorities managed to seize 1,824 kilos of drugs.
Collection and distribution
Once the shipment entered the country, it was stored on a farm owned by “La Negra”, from where it was distributed, according to conversations intercepted between those involved. Part of that drug was sold to a man known as “Bravo”, in an operation coordinated by another involved nicknamed “Pinga”. Likewise, about 30 kilos were distributed between Ynoa Santana, López Macías and “La Negra”.
Traffic to Europe
In parallel, the organization of the Búfalo NK case planned the shipment of cocaine shipments to Barcelona, Spain, using advanced methods such as adhering the illicit substance to the hull of ships, in order to avoid detection by the authorities.
The ringleaders held constant meetings with Bolívar Hernández and other unidentified individuals to coordinate these international drug trafficking operations.
Modus operandi
According to the investigation, Isidoro Rotestán Clase financed the logistics of transporting drugs and weapons, while Rafael Ynoa Santana coordinated the supply of cocaine with South American contacts.
The drugs came from areas such as: Punta Gallina, Colombia and Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. It was transported in artisanal or fishing boats to the Dominican Republic, where it was stored in properties located in La Vega and in different locations in the east of the country. From there it was sent to Puerto Rico, the United States and Europe. The profits obtained through drug trafficking were integrated into the financial system through money laundering operations.
Washing strategies
The criminal network in the Bufalo NK case used various strategies to launder money, including the representation of artists, car washes, fishmongers, alcohol businesses and entertainment centers, and the use of front men. These activities allowed illicit funds to be mobilized and legitimized within the financial system.
The Public Ministry identifies Rafael Ynoa Santana and Isidoro Rotestán Clase (alias El Men, Juan Carlos or José Pérez) as leaders of the organization, responsible for coordinating drug shipments from the Dominican Republic to the United States, Puerto Rico and Europe. Among the direct collaborators were: Cristino Rotestán Clase, Johnny Casimiro Tejada, Geyser Climerson Castillo Mordán.
Washing operations
To carry out the money laundering, Rotestán Clase used several parties and companies, including Estefany de la Cruz Paulino, Jomaiky Ureña Rotestán, Leda Margarita Clase, Yamilka Paulino, Glorisel de la Cruz Paulino, Luigi Aneudy Ureña Read, Elegant Records Productions EIRL, Mojos SRL, and Mariscos del Caribe SRL.
Process
November 28.
The judge of the First Investigative Court of the DN, Raymundo Mejía, begins a preliminary hearing of the Búfalo NK network.
More RD$84 million in goods
Operation. Those involved in the criminal drug trafficking organization Búfalo NK case, with the sale of cocaine trafficking, acquired a series of furniture and real estate worth more than RD$84 million.
The members of the network obtained six buses valued at RD$24,450,000, four boats, and seven properties valued at RD$60 million.
A farm in Puerto Plata, luxury vehicles, cash, a beverage and car wash center, a penthouse in Bella Vista and an apartment in another sector of the National District.
The Public Ministry accuses the group of association of criminals, drug trafficking, violation of the Weapons Law, money laundering, bribery and committing other related crimes.
