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A comprehensive investigation by Dominican authorities has dismantled a significant criminal network within the National Police, revealing the illicit diversion of over 900,000 rounds of ammunition, some of which were allegedly sold to Haitian nationals involved in criminal activities.
The operation, known as “Operation Pandora,” was initiated in October following a joint request from the Ministry of Interior and Police and the National Police Directorate. The crackdown involved more than 200 specialized police agents and over 40 prosecutors conducting raids across the National District and the provinces of Santo Domingo, Santiago, Sánchez Ramírez, and Pedernales.
Among those arrested is Colonel Narciso Antonio Féliz Romero, who oversaw the custody of police weapons and ammunition. Other detainees include Sub-Intendant Juan Miguel Pérez Soler, Captain Nelson Valdez, responsible for the Arms, Ammunition, and Equipment Depot, and Captain Víctor Manuel Santos, an auditor accused of falsifying records to conceal the thefts. Second Lieutenant Marino Antonio Rodríguez Toribio, Sergeant Major Miguel Ángel Gómez Espaillat, Corporal Juan Luis Díaz Medina, and Privates Rubiel Martínez and Moreibin Medina Pérez were also apprehended. Civilian suspect Miguelina Bello Segura is alleged to have played a key operational role in the network.
Investigations revealed that Captain Santos, with over six years as an auditor in the Armory Department, manipulated audit data to hide the misappropriation of ammunition. The network reportedly sold boxes of ammunition for prices ranging between $86 and $99, with some supplies trafficked into Haiti’s border province of Pedernales, where they were used in criminal activities.
The operation underscores the challenges of cross-border arms trafficking and its impact on regional security. The Dominican Republic shares a porous border with Haiti, facilitating the smuggling of arms and ammunition that exacerbate violence in both nations.
The Ministry of Interior and Police emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in combating organized crime and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law. National Police Chief Major General Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta stated that the institution is dedicated to transparency and reform, viewing this case as a pivotal moment in the fight against corruption within law enforcement.
The investigation continues as authorities work to identify and apprehend additional individuals involved in the trafficking network. The case has prompted calls for enhanced oversight and accountability within the police force to prevent future breaches and strengthen institutional integrity.
