MONTE CRISTI, Dominican Republic – In a significant border security operation, Dominican military forces successfully intercepted a major cigarette smuggling attempt on Wednesday. The incident occurred at the La Solitaria security checkpoint where authorities apprehended a white Daihatsu Hijet minibus attempting to evade inspection.
The operation resulted in the detention of driver Modesto Ogando and passenger Johanny Portorreal Guzmán, who were transporting contraband identified as Capital brand cigarettes of foreign origin. Military inspections revealed the vehicle contained over 44,000 illegally smuggled cigarettes concealed within its structure.
This interception forms part of an intensified campaign by Dominican defense and customs authorities to combat cross-border smuggling networks, particularly in border provinces like Monte Cristi. The region has witnessed multiple sophisticated smuggling attempts, including concealment within vehicle chassis and rural stockpiles, indicating established trafficking operations.
The confiscated contraband has been transferred to Fortaleza San Fernando under Dominican Army custody while judicial proceedings advance against the suspects. This seizure represents both a tactical victory and strategic demonstration of the government’s commitment to strengthening border integrity.
Defense officials emphasize that such operations are critical for protecting national revenue streams from tax evasion while disrupting organized crime financing. The consistent pattern of interceptions along the border region highlights ongoing challenges in securing the nation’s frontiers against illicit trade activities that undermine legitimate commerce and economic stability.