Santo Domingo – In a significant move to bolster international efforts against drug trafficking and organized crime, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has put forward Leandro José Villanueva Acebal as the nation’s candidate to lead the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This nomination comes in response to a September proposal by the United States, which urged the Dominican government to take a leadership role in the agency. Villanueva, a seasoned professional, currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) and has previously held key positions such as Deputy Minister of Public Health and Director General of Medicines, Food, and Health Products (Digemaps). The UNODC, established in 1997, operates globally in over 150 countries, focusing on combating drugs, crime, terrorism, and corruption through policy development, training, and international collaboration. The position will soon be vacant as current Executive Director Ghada Waly prepares to step down next month. U.S. officials have lauded the Dominican Republic’s “proven record and strong commitment” in these areas, emphasizing that Villanueva’s candidacy would enhance UNODC’s leadership and foster greater global cooperation.