Dominican Republic Roundup: Drug trafficking, 2028 election forecast, Spanish leaders criticised

DNCD seizes 700 suspected cocaine packages

Agents from the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), working with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and state intelligence agencies, seized 700 packages of suspected cocaine during an operation at the Caucedo Multimodal Port in Boca Chica, Santo Domingo province. Authorities profiled multiple containers in transit and identified suspicious images in one shipment. A detailed inspection revealed 14 bales containing the packages, hidden inside a container loaded with grapes. The container originated in Chile and passed through Colombia and Ecuador, transiting the Dominican Republic before heading to Belgium, Germany, Rotterdam, and the United Kingdom, where it was scheduled to be unloaded. The seizure occurred shortly after President Luis Abinader attended the “Shield of the Americas” summit in Miami, where a 17-country coalition against drug trafficking was announced.

PLD could trigger a 2028 runoff

The Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) is positioning itself to potentially force a presidential runoff in 2028, which would be the first in nearly 30 years. After its 2020 election defeat, the party has intensified grassroots mobilisation and internal restructuring to rebuild its base. Party leaders aim to prevent any candidate from surpassing 50% in the first round, increasing the chances of a second-round vote. A possible Gonzalo Castillo–Margarita Cedeño ticket could split votes between the ruling PRM and the People’s Force (FP), reshaping the political landscape. Meanwhile, FP leader Leonel Fernández faces a strategic dilemma, as another presidential bid could divide the opposition vote further, complicating potential alliances despite a limited municipal pact between the two parties in 2024.

MPD slams leaders’ silence on Trump’s Spanish remark

The Dominican Popular Movement (MPD) criticised what it described as the “complicit silence” of several Latin American presidents after US President Donald Trump made a dismissive remark about the Spanish language during the “Shield of the Americas” summit. Trump reportedly joked that he would not learn Spanish, saying he did not have time to learn “your damn language.” The MPD called the comment offensive to the history, culture, and identity of Latin America and the Caribbean, noting that Spanish is spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide. The group also condemned the lack of response from leaders at the summit, arguing that none publicly challenged the remark.

Abinader at Trump’s Americas summit: energy talks with US, Bolivia ties

President Luis Abinader used the Shield of the Americas Summit in Miami, hosted by US President Donald Trump, to hold two key bilateral meetings: one with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on energy cooperation and another with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira to open new diplomatic and trade ties. The summit gathered more than a dozen Latin American and Caribbean leaders and focused on the creation of a new military coalition to combat drug cartels and organised crime in the hemisphere. The initiative will be led by Kristi Noem, recently appointed Special Envoy for Operation Shield of the Americas, in what analysts describe as part of Washington’s broader strategy to strengthen security and energy partnerships in the region.

PRM strengthens structure in Monte Plata ahead of 2028

PRM provincial president in Monte Plata, Víctor Pichardo, held a series of meetings across the province to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of internal processes and the 2028 elections. Accompanied by Secretary General Rafael De Luna, he visited several municipalities to organise grassroots members and promote the party’s “Verify Yourself” membership update initiative. Pichardo said the effort aims to consolidate the PRM’s base and ensure the party is prepared to retain power in future elections.