SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican government is launching a reinforced nationwide offensive against illicit trade and unfair market competition, marking a significant escalation in its enforcement strategy. Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs Minister Yayo Sanz Lovatón unveiled the plan, signaling a new phase of highly coordinated and aggressive governmental action.
The strategic initiative, developed in close consultation with President Luis Abinader, will deploy integrated operational teams comprising inspectors from the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII) and Customs authorities. This multi-agency approach is designed to combat both physical contraband and fiscal fraud through synchronized enforcement operations, creating a more powerful deterrent effect.
A central pillar of the strategy involves deepening the collaboration between state institutions and private sector stakeholders. This public-private partnership aims to advance national economic formalization and cultivate a business environment grounded in fair competition. Officials pointed to the operational successes of the Coordination Committee against Illicit Trade (CECCOM) as evidence of the strategy’s potential, noting the seizure of millions of dollars worth of contraband—including cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, and adulterated beverages—in early 2026.
Beyond economic protection, the government highlighted a major public health victory: the nation has recorded zero fatalities from adulterated alcohol consumption over the past five years, a stark contrast to a previous national crisis. The ongoing enhancement of investigative capabilities, institutional coordination, and specialized operational tools will proceed within the existing legal framework, ensuring continued progress without requiring legislative changes.