A 29-year-old Albanian citizen was detained at the International Airport of the Americas (JFPG) while trying to board a flight to Madrid, Spain.
During a joint inspection and interdiction operation, agents from the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), members of the Specialized Airport Security Corps (CESAC) and the Public Ministry discovered two suitcases containing 40 packages suspected of being cocaine.
The detection occurred while authorities, assisted by canine units, were carrying out luggage inspections in the departure area of the terminal. Suspicious images captured by an X-ray machine led agents to check the luggage.
By order of the acting prosecutor, the suitcases were opened, finding clothing and a backpack containing 19 packages in a first suitcase. While in the second suitcase they found another backpack with 21 packages, both wrapped in plastic bags and aluminum foil.
In addition to the suitcases, a small gray bag with RD$36,100, an iPhone phone and other belongings were confiscated from the Albanian, which were added to the evidence.
The Public Ministry and the DNCD They have initiated an investigation to identify possible accomplices in the frustrated attempt to send the shipment to Europe. The detainee was placed under the jurisdiction of Permanent Attention of the province of Santo Domingo for the corresponding legal procedures.
The 40 packages were transferred under chain of custody to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF), where the exact type and weight of the substance will be determined.
The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security at airports and ports to combat criminal networks that try to traffic drugs to the United States and Europe.
