The United States has abruptly shuttered its Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, following unspecified corruption allegations. US Ambassador to the Caribbean nation Leah Campos announced the immediate closure via social media platform X, declaring zero tolerance for even the perception of corrupt activities within her embassy’s operations.
“I will not tolerate even the perception of corruption anywhere in the Embassy I lead,” stated Ambassador Campos. “To that end, today I am announcing the closure of the DEA office in Santo Domingo until further notice.”
The decision represents a significant development in bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly regarding their collaborative anti-narcotics efforts. The Dominican Republic has actively positioned itself as a key US partner in combating drug trafficking throughout the Caribbean region.
This development follows recent enhanced cooperation between the two countries. Last November, during a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Dominican authorities agreed to permit American forces to utilize a local air base and airport for counter-narcotics operations. Those operations resulted in dozens of fatalities during strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs, though Washington provided no concrete evidence of narcotics trafficking.
Earlier that same month, a joint US-Dominican operation successfully intercepted a boat carrying approximately 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) of cocaine, demonstrating previously effective collaboration.
Ambassador Campos emphasized the seriousness with which the US government treats corruption allegations, stating: “Corruption holds no place in the U.S. government or any other government. It is a disgusting and disgraceful violation of public trust to use one’s official capacity for personal gain.”
The closure comes as the Dominican Republic continues to manage complex regional dynamics, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, which faces profound political and security challenges.