Dominican authorities find 1.5 tons of cocaine after boat chase lasting more than 12 hours
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Dominican authorities find 1.5 tons of cocaine after boat chase lasting more than 12 hours
Authorities began pursuing a speedboat heading towards the island after determining it to be suspicious. Helicopters, boats and cars were involved in the chase, which began Monday off the country’s south coast near Pedernales. Authorities also seized items including a cellphone, 13 jerrycans of fuel, a small cooler filled with water and food.
It’s one of the Caribbean country’s biggest seizures in history, said Carlos Devers, spokesperson for the country’s Anti-Drug Agency. Authorities began pursuing a speedboat heading towards the island with several people on board after determining it to be suspicious, local news outlet Acento reported.
Helicopters, boats and cars were involved in the chase, which began Monday off the country’s south coast near Pedernales. It ended with the arrest of three Dominicans and one Colombian, Devers said.
Image released by the National Drug Control Directorate of the Dominican Republic (DNCDRD) shows the speedboat. National Drug Control Directorate of the Dominican Republic (DNCDRD)
Inside the 35-foot boat were 53 bales of plastic packages, totaling 1,536 individually wrapped bags of suspected cocaine, authorities said. Authorities also seized items including a cellphone, 13 jerrycans of fuel, a small cooler filled with water and food, and a backpack with a change of clothes.
The Dominican Republic has long been considered a major drug transit point, with some of the shipments bound for Europe. The largest seizure in the country’s history happened last year in December when authorities seized nearly 9.5 tons of cocaine worth $250 million. Overall, officials seized more than 46 tons of drugs last year.
The second biggest seizure was reported in 2006, with 2.8 tons of cocaine found at Caucedo port.
Dominicans Pursue Drug Boat for 12+ Hours, Seize 1½ Tons of Cocaine!
Authorities in the Dominican Republic seized 1½ tons of cocaine after a 12-hour chase, arresting three Dominicans and one Colombian. The operation underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is a key transit hub for drugs headed to Europe, with authorities seizing over 46 tons last year alone. The rise in drug trafficking poses a significant threat to regional stability and public safety.
apnews.com
Authorities in the Dominican Republic recently made headlines with a significant drug seizure, chasing a boat for over 12 hours to uncover 1½ tons of cocaine. This operation, which took place on July 30, 2025, underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
6 Key Takeaways Authorities seized 1½ tons of cocaine.
Chase lasted over 12 hours.
Four individuals were arrested.
Previous largest seizure was 9½ tons.
Dominican Republic is a drug transit point.
Various items were confiscated during the chase.
In what is one of the largest drug busts in the nation’s history, the chase involved helicopters and boats, culminating in the arrest of three Dominicans and one Colombian. The authorities also seized various items, including fuel jerrycans and a backpack, highlighting the organized nature of these trafficking operations.
Fast Answer: The Dominican Republic’s recent cocaine seizure emphasizes its role as a major transit point for drugs, with authorities seizing over 46 tons last year alone.
This latest seizure raises critical questions about drug trafficking routes and the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region. How can authorities better combat these sophisticated networks? Consider these points:
The Dominican Republic is a key transit hub for drugs headed to Europe.
Last year’s total drug seizures exceeded 46 tons, indicating a persistent issue.
Increased collaboration between nations may be essential for effective enforcement.
The rise in drug trafficking poses a significant threat to regional stability and public safety, necessitating urgent international cooperation.
As authorities ramp up their efforts, it is crucial for global communities to remain vigilant and support initiatives aimed at dismantling these trafficking networks.
‘The show must go on’: Honey Jam turns 30 amid financial challenges
Honey Jam has mentored young emerging Canadian female artists since 1995. The non-profit will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Wednesday with a special concert at Massey Hall showcasing 17 Canadian artists. Founder Ebonnie Rowe says the milestone comes during a financially challenging year for the program. Rowe says she committed to doing the anniversary concert before the U.S. elections, without knowing that the expenses would rise and some of her usual sponsors would back out due to economic uncertainty. She says that while the future of Honey Jam as it exists in its current iteration is at risk, the sisterhood is forever. “We will have our website, our socials, and our social media platforms forever,” says Rowe. “It’s the forever sisterhood without the traveling pants”
Launched in 1995, Honey Jam has mentored young emerging Canadian female artists with workshops, educational programs, vocal and performance coaching, and opportunities to perform and network in a safe space.
Honey Jam will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Wednesday with a special concert at Massey Hall showcasing 17 Canadian artists.
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
The program’s founder and executive director says the anniversary reflects the community’s determination and perseverance.
“I don’t know of any other program like what we’re doing that’s free, that’s non-profit, that is women-centred, and part of why it was started as women-centred 30 years ago was to create a safe space,” said Ebonnie Rowe.
However, Rowe says the milestone comes during a financially challenging year for the program due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s dismantling of DEI initiatives and tariffs.
She says she committed to doing the anniversary concert at Massey Hall before the U.S. elections, without knowing that the expenses would rise and some of her usual sponsors would back out due to economic uncertainty.
‘Forever sisterhood without the traveling pants’
But the show must go on, Rowe says.
“You don’t get to 30 years if you’re the type of person who gives up and says ‘boohoo’ and goes and cries in a corner, so the show must go on. I need all those tickets sold, though, so I’m not washing dishes at Massey Hall for 20 years,” she said.
She says that while the future of Honey Jam as it exists in its current iteration is at risk, the sisterhood is forever.
“It’s the forever sisterhood without the traveling pants,” she said. “We will have our website, our socials, and our social media platforms forever.”
WATCH | Honey Jam alumni talks about how program impacted her:
Honey Jam alumni include Nelly Furtado, Jully Black, Lu Kala, Melanie Fiona, Savannah Ré, and Haviah Mighty.
Rowe says seeing her alumini’s growth makes her feel like a “proud momma.”
“I don’t have any children of my own, so I feel very protective, and when I’m scrolling through social media, I literally have whiplash at ‘oh my God, you’re doing what? You won that award? You’re touring with who? You’re going to Paris for what?’ So I’m very, very proud of all that they’ve accomplished,” she said.
Alumni says program was a personal growth
Alternative soul artist Fafiélla is one of Honey Jam’s alumnus. She says she joined the program in 2022, and it was a great opportunity to connect with other women in the industry.
She says the program was a “personal growth” for her, and she still applies the lessons she learned from it in her career.
“Having that mentorship and guidance really showed me that I have to communicate and I have to be very strict and stern on my boundaries, my standards, what I offer, my value,” said Fafiélla.
Losing the program would be a huge loss, she says.
“Honey Jam is a women’s space. It’s for a female artist. I think losing such a big platform in the city that supports women of colour or women at all in the music industry would be a huge loss,” said Fafiélla.