Draft Dominican Republic International Narcotics

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 21 SANTO DOMINGO 005411

SIPDIS

FOR INL/LP KEVIN BROWN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR DR
SUBJECT: Draft Dominican Republic International Narcotics
Control Strategy Report (INCSR) Part 1 Drug and Chemical
Control
Following is draft text of Embassy's submission for the
2005-2006 INCSR Part I for the Dominican Republic. Data
tables for calendar years 2005, 2004 and 2003 will follow
septel.


I. Summary
The Dominican Republic is a major transit country from
South America, with cocaine transiting to Europe, and both
cocaine and heroin to the United States. Occasionally MDMA
(ecstasy) transits the Dominican Republic en route to the
United States. The Government of the Dominican Republic
(GODR) continued to cooperate closely with the United
States Government (USG) in counternarcotics matters. Last
year (2005) was marked by increased seizure rate and
increased quantities of interdicted heroin, cocaine and
d
MDMA; further increase in extraditions; advances in
domestic law enforcement capacity, institution building and
interagency networking; and progress in criminal
proceedings in major bank fraud cases. Although the GODR
strengthened its efforts to combat corruption in 2005,
corruption and weak governmental institutions remained an
impediment to controlling the flow of illegal narcotics
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

Cultivation/Production. There is no known cultivation of
coca or opium poppy in the DR. Cannabis is grown on a small
scale for local consumption. There is no definitive
evidence of in-country manufacture of MDMA.
Distribution/Sale, Transport and Financing. In 2005, drugs
were easily accessible for local consumption in most
metropolitan areas. The Dominican Republic attracted a
growing number of tourists from Europe, the United States,
and Canada who provided a customer base for local drug
sales, especially at the beachfront vacation resorts.
Traffickers often used drugs to pay low-level couriers and
distributors. Gang violence and settling of drug-related
scores, especially in northern cities, were subjects of
frequent headlines in the Dominican press. The DNCD
continued to focus interdiction operations on the drug-
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

transit routes in Dominican territorial waters along the
northern border and on its land border crossings with
Haiti, while attempting to prevent air drops and maritime
delivery of illicit narcotics to remote areas. The
majority of air tracks in 2005 originated in Venezuela.
Asset Seizure. Two asset seizure laws were recently
clarified by an executive order stating that the measures
set forth in Law 78-03 prevail over those contained in 72-

02. 78-03 permits the seizure, conservation and
administration of assets which are the product or
instrument of criminal acts pending judgment and
sentencing.
Extradition. The U.S.-Dominican Extradition Treaty dates
from 1909 and does not deal with many drug-related
offenses. It is augmented by the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

Extradition began in earnest only in 1998, when President
Fernandez signed implementing legislation. During 2005,
judicial review was added to the procedure for extradition,
making extraditions more objective and transparent. During
2005, the U.S. Marshals continued to receive excellent
cooperation from the DNCD's Fugitive
Surveillance/Apprehension Unit and other relevant Dominican
authorities in arresting fugitives and returning them to
the United States to face justice.
The GODR extradited 32 Dominicans and arrested and deported
12 fugitives back to the U.S. for prosecution purposes.
Local authorities, working with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE),arrested and deported or expelled an
additional 10 subjects. Of these 54 cases, 42 were
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

narcotics-related.
Mutual Legal Assistance. The GODR cooperates with USG
agencies, including the DEA, FBI, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP),ICE, Department of Defense and U.S.
Marshals Service, on counternarcotics and fugitive matters.
The DNCD housed and manned the DEA-sponsored CDI at its
facilities in Santo Domingo. An increasing number of
Caribbean countries have found the CDI's intelligence
analysis services useful and are now both frequent
contributors and beneficiaries of new information.
In 2005, the Dominican Navy did not normally conduct
illegal migration interdiction operations in the Mona Pass
except when participating in USG-funded joint operation
(see section on bilateral cooperation). The Navy instead
focused their efforts on shore patrol operations.
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

Examination of captured smuggling vessels indicated a
strong link between illegal migration and drug smuggling.
On a typical voyage, several passengers carry backpacks
containing one or two kilos of cocaine.
Precursor Chemical Control. The Secretariat of Health is
responsible for the control of chemicals entering and
departing the Dominican Republic. The CND has prohibited
the re-exportation of certain chemicals.
Demand Reduction. The DNCD conducted over 135 youth events
in various cities and neighborhoods reaching over 120,000
young people with the message that competitive and
recreational activities are better choices than drug abuse.

Law Enforcement Efforts. In 2005, the DNCD increased its
seizure rate and netted record single seizures of both
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

heroin (39 kilos) and MDMA (259,627 units) with the
cooperation and assistance of the DEA. The October 2005
record seizure of heroin was effected in Santo Domingo
based on intelligence concerning the Colombian owners'
search for buyers. The November 2005 record seized units
of MDMA were found along with a firearm in 3 abandoned bags
from Amsterdam at the Gregorio Luperon International
Airport in Puerto Plata. The DNCD netted several other
multi-hundred kilogram seizures in 2005 including 128
kilograms of cocaine hidden in a container of denim jeans
bound for bound for New York and 442 kilograms of cocaine
from a Colombian trafficking organization operating in the
Dominican Republic. Through November 2005, overall seizures
totaled 2,191 kilograms of cocaine, 111.8 kilograms of
heroin, 280,627 units of MDMA, and 1,146 pounds of
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

marijuana.

The DNCD made 2,916 drug-related arrests in 2005; of these,
2,802 were Dominican nationals and 114 were foreigners.
Although, the majority of arrests and seizures happened at
one of the seven international airports in the Dominican
Republic, the actual amount of drugs seized was small.
Most of the significant seizures were made in the larger
cities. Maritime seizures remain a challenge for the DR,
especially drugs hidden in commercial vessels for shipment
to the U.S. and/or Europe and drugs arriving by "go-fast"
boats from South America. The DNCD and their DEA
counterparts concentrated increasingly on investigations
leading to takedown of large criminal organizations.
The GODR expanded its counternarcotics and counter-
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

explosive canine units with U.S., Dutch and international
assistance, increasing coverage to all international
airports and major sea ports. The DNCD continued to
upgrade its equipment, train technicians, and develop new
software in furtherance of a multi-year, USG-supported
effort to share data among Dominican law enforcement
agencies and to make information available on demand by
field officers.
The Dominican Navy and the DNCD participated in two
combined operations with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG),CBP
and DEA in January-February (Op MANGU) and September (Op
IGUANA) 2005 to combat the regional threat of narcotics
trafficking in the approaches to Puerto Rico. Operation
MANGU succeeded in interdicting 2,000 kilos of cocaine.
Both operations were conducted pursuant to existing
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

bilateral agreements.
Corruption. The GODR does not, as a matter of government
policy, encourage or facilitate illicit production or
distribution of narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and other
controlled substances, nor does it contribute to drug-
related money laundering.
Dominican institutions remain vulnerable to influence by
interest groups or wealthy individuals, including narcotics
traffickers. The GODR has not convicted any senior
government official for engaging in, encouraging, or
facilitating the illicit production or distribution of
illicit drugs or controlled substances, or for the
laundering of proceeds from illegal drug transactions.
In the past 12 months, the GODR has appointed and supported
the reform agendas of several reform-minded high-level
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

officials untainted by political scandals. The new Attorney
General has aggressively pursued several anti-corruption
investigations and has also implemented competitive civil
service recruitment of prosecutors (in the past were all
political appointees). A financial disclosure law for
senior appointed, civil service and elected officials has
been implemented in the Dominican Republic, but lack of
auditing controls and applicable sanctions have weakened
the effectiveness of this measure.
The GODR is a party to the Inter-American Convention
Against Corruption and in 2001 signed the consensus
agreement on establishing a mechanism to evaluate
compliance with the Convention.
Agreements and Treaties. The DR is a party to the 1988 UN
Drug Convention. In 1984, the USG and the GODR entered into
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

an agreement on international narcotics control
cooperation. In May 2003 the Dominican Republic entered
into three comprehensive bilateral agreements on
Cooperation in Maritime Migration Law Enforcement, Maritime
Counter-Drug Operations, and Search and Rescue, granting
permanent over-flight provisions in all three agreements
for the respective operations. The three agreements
conclude a long bilateral effort to secure permanent over-
flight provisions; previous agreements provided only annual
provisions. In addition, the Maritime Counter-Drug
Agreement broadened the scope of operations agreed to by
the parties. The GODR signed, but has not yet ratified, the
Caribbean Regional Maritime Agreement.
The GODR has signed but not ratified the UN Convention
against Transnational Organized Crime, the Protocol to
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, the UN
International Convention Against Terrorist Financing, the
Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants, and the
Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and
Trafficking in Firearms.
IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. Cocaine and heroin trafficking,
money laundering, institutional corruption, and reform of
the judicial system remain the primary counternarcotics
concerns of the USG in the Dominican Republic. The USG and
the GODR cooperate to develop Dominican institutions that
can interdict and seize narcotics shipments and conduct
effective investigations leading to arrests, prosecutions,
and convictions. The USG continues to urge the GODR to
improve its asset forfeiture procedures and its capacity to
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

regulate financial institutions, develop and maintain
strict controls on precursor chemicals, improve its demand
reduction programs, enhance its prosecutorial function, and
strengthen and improve coordination among its law
enforcement institutions.
During 2005, the USG provided essential equipment and
training to expand the counternarcotics canine units and
supported the DNCD's vetted special investigation unit,
assessed border security, and enhanced DNCD computer
training, database expansion and systems maintenance
support.
The USG assisted the Dominican Navy with its equipment
maintenance and training programs and participated in joint
counternarcotics and illegal migration operations as noted
above. The USG also provided training and equipment to
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

enhance the capabilities of specialized airport and port
security forces.
The Dominican Navy and Air Force have a direct
communications agreement with the USCG regional operations
center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dominican Navy vessels
have participated in a few maritime drug seizures and joint
exercises. Navy shore patrols have disrupted illegal
migration voyages, another favorite method for smuggling
drugs.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
criminal justice and transparency program continues to
emphasize training for investigators, prosecutors, public
defenders and judges in new criminal procedures and
investigation/prosecution of complex crimes. Progress has
been observed in 2005 in faster case processing, decreased
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

pre-trial detention, availability of public defenders and
prosecutors 24 hours per day, and positive change in
justice sector's attitudes toward presumption of innocence
of the accused. USAID provided three weeks training to a
group of 40 police, prosecutors, auditors, judges, banking
superintendent investigators, and drug control officers in
organized crime investigation and case management.
Seventeen of the group received three weeks additional
training from international experts and will receive three
more weeks advanced training in 2006. This group forms a
core inter-agency complex crimes investigation/prosecution
taskforce.

USAID is also assisting the Public Prosecutor's office
develop and implement policies and procedures for evidence
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

preservation and asset seizure and maintenance given recent
policy changes transferring these authorities from judges
to prosecutors.

A law enforcement development program targeting the
National Police, including training in the code of criminal
procedure, reform of the basic and in-service training,
planning capacity-building and internal affairs office
restructuring and reform has been implemented by the
Embassy Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS).
The U.S. Department of Justice and Department of State
provided advanced training to mid-level police officers at
the FBI Academy, the International Law Enforcement Academy
(ILEA) in Roswell, NM, and through FBI re-trainers in
Panama and El Salvador. DEA offered a basic drug
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

intelligence course for the DNCD in December. Several DNCD
officers attended FBI training in interview and
interrogation techniques.
The Dominican chapter of the Business Alliance for Secure
Commerce (BASC),a voluntary alliance of manufacturers,
transport companies, and related private sector entities,
expanded its training program and was cited by CBP
officials as one of the most effective BASC chapters
worldwide. In 2005, the BASC DR chapter expanded to 11 the
number of companies who met the strict criteria for
certification.
The DNCD counternarcotics canine program expanded to 31
canine units, and the airport security counter-explosive
canine unit, started in 2004, expanded to 15 canine units,
with U.S., Dutch and international assistance.
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

Counternarcotics and counter-explosive canine capacity now
covers all international airports and major sea ports.
With USG support, the Dominican Port Authority and the DNCD
maintained good security at the formerly chaotic Santo
Domingo terminal of the ferry to Puerto Rico. A 2004-05
security upgrade project to bring the terminal into
compliance with International Ship and Port Security (ISPS)
standards and consistent use of a USG X-ray machine has
improved departure processing and established controls to
detect and prevent smuggling of drugs and other contraband
to Puerto Rico.
The DEA-funded CDI at DNCD headquarters permits real-time
sharing and analysis of narcotics-related intelligence
among all the nations of the Caribbean Basin. Similar
centers are established in Mexico, Colombia, and Bolivia.
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

The Embassy NAS funded computer and office equipment and
training to establish the Financial Analysis Unit, the main
GODR entity charged with receiving, requesting, analyzing,
investigating and forwarding suspicious financial activity
reports to/from competent legal authorities.
The Road Ahead. The immediate goal remains helping to
institutionalize judicial reform and good governance. The
GODR and USG are working to build coherent counternarcotics
programs that can resist the pressures of corruption and
can address new challenges brought by innovative narcotics
trafficking organizations. The USG and the GODR will
continue strengthening drug control cooperation through
sharing of information and developing closer working
relations among principal agencies. The USG will continue
providing training and equipment for the DNCD, focusing its
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

attention on the information technology and intelligence
exchange necessary to disrupt narcotics smuggling at
Dominican land and sea borders and at airports. Support for
the training, equipping and re-certification of the
counternarcotics and counter-explosives canine units will
continue. The USG will continue to provide support to
Dominican anti-money laundering entities, and Dominican
government and private sector counternarcotics efforts,
including provision of specialized technical equipment and
support of business and civil society demand reduction
efforts.
USAID and the NAS will provide further training to
prosecutors, investigators, and national police, increasing
their professionalism and ensuring that they are prepared
to continue to implement the new Criminal Procedure Code.
through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is a
party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
II. Status of Country
There is no significant cultivation, refining, or
manufacturing of major illicit drugs in the Dominican
Republic. Dominican criminal organizations are increasingly
involved in command and control of international drug
trafficking operations, but the country's primary role in
regional drug trafficking is as a transshipment hub.
Seizures in 2005 continued to indicate that cocaine,
heroin, and marijuana destined for the United States and,
to a lesser extent, Europe were being transshipped through
the DR and its territorial waters. Interdicted MDMA
(ecstasy) was most often being transported from Europe to
the United States. Law enforcement authorities noted a low
level of drug smuggling via the ferries operating to Puerto
Rico, probably due to improved departure screening and
significant physical security improvements at the Santo
Domingo ferry terminal.
Dominican nationals play a major role in the actual
transshipment of drugs. Fishing and "go-fast" crews in the
Caribbean include Dominican nationals, mostly fishermen
recruited from the local docks. The crews speak Spanish,
the language of the source country smugglers; move easily
throughout the Caribbean; and are recruited for very low
pay.
The Dominican Republic is not a producer of precursor
chemicals.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2005
Policy Initiatives. Intelligence-sharing continues to play
an important part in interdiction efforts. The Drug
Enforcement Administration(DEA) Center for Drug Information
(CDI),housed in the National Drug Control Directorate
(DNCD),served as a clearinghouse for intelligence within
the Caribbean, while the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission hosted a successful regional conference in Santo
Domingo last year. Both initiatives spurred increased
regional counternarcotics intelligence-sharing.
The DNCD, the law enforcement arm responsible for
counternarcotics measures, and the National Drug Council
(CND),the GODR's policy and planning organ, have adopted a
computerized system that tracks seizures of assets in
connection with drug-related offenses.
The GODR continues to struggle to implement anti-money
laundering legislation passed in 2002. In support of this
effort, a Financial Analysis Unit under the CND was
created, staffed and received training. (See the Money
Laundering section of this report.)
The GODR's revised criminal procedure code went into effect
in 2004, setting the stage for improved prosecution of
complex crimes. The new procedure prioritizes technical and
scientific evidence over testimony and character witnesses.
The GODR has begun various initiatives with U.S. and
international support to train law enforcement and judicial
officials in the new code.

USG support for civil society's and the Fernandez
administration's efforts to prevent and prosecute corrupt
activities will continue, through U.S. funded programs to
strengthen the Attorney General's Department for Prevention
of Corruption and the Controller General's Office, as well
as through monitoring and reporting GODR compliance with
the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption. HERTELL