Authorities at Cibao International Airport in Santiago province seized over 50 garments allegedly soaked with cocaine during an inspection operation on Tuesday.
The items were discovered during luggage screening of a Spanish national who was planning to travel to Madrid.
The operation, carried out by agents of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) and members of the Specialized Airport Security Corps (CESAC), was coordinated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Canine units assisted in the detection of the suspicious items.
Among the seized items were 22 T-shirts, 18 coats, nine pants, two flannels, a blanket, and two drink containers, all reportedly impregnated with cocaine. A field test conducted under the instructions of the acting prosecutor confirmed the presence of controlled substances.
Authorities described this as a “novel method” used by criminal networks attempting to circumvent security protocols by soaking cocaine powder into various fabrics.
The Spanish national has been arrested as investigations continue.
