In a significant ruling against narcotics trafficking, a Collegiate Court in La Altagracia Province has imposed 10-year prison sentences on two individuals convicted of attempting to smuggle cocaine through Punta Cana International Airport. Argentine national Florencia Milagros Otaduy, 31, and Dominican citizen Manuel Alejandro D’Oleo Cuello were found guilty of drug trafficking violations under Dominican Law 50-88 on Drugs and Controlled Substances.
The case originated on July 31, 2023, when DNCD (Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas) agents intercepted Otaduy attempting to depart the country with 4.33 kilograms of cocaine concealed within chocolate boxes inside her luggage. Forensic analysis by the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Forenses confirmed the substance’s composition as cocaine.
Investigations revealed a sophisticated operation where D’Oleo Cuello, employed as a gardening operator at the airport, exploited his security access to deliver the drug-filled bag to Otaduy after she had cleared security checkpoints. Surveillance footage documented his movements through the terminal and his coordination with the Argentine national prior to the attempted handoff.
Beyond their prison terms, the court mandated financial penalties including a 250,000 peso fine and confiscation of assets seized during the investigation. The convicted individuals will serve their sentences separately—D’Oleo Cuello at the Centro de Corrección y Rehabilitación Anamuya facility while Otaduy remains detained at the women’s correctional center in Higüey. The Public Prosecutor’s Office successfully prosecuted the case, highlighting increased vigilance against drug trafficking networks exploiting airport infrastructure.