Customs destroys more than 8 million cigarettes seized in anti-smuggling operations
In a joint effort to combat illicit trade and protect the national economy, the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) proceeded with the destruction of 8,287,820 cigarette units. These products were seized while attempting to enter the country irregularly between March 2025 and May 2026, representing a tax evasion attempt amounting to RD$53,290,682.60.
The seizure operation was made possible thanks to the coordinated work of the DGA Intelligence Management, the strategic support of the Army and Navy of the Dominican Republic, the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), and the Public Ministry.
Commitment to transparency and public health
The Director General of Customs, Nelson Arroyo, emphasized that these actions reaffirm the entity’s commitment to strengthening border controls and eradicating practices that distort the formal market.
With these actions, we protect tax collection, promote transparency, and send a clear message that we will continue to firmly confront all practices that affect formal trade and the country’s economic development.
Nelson Arroyo, Director General of Customs
Arroyo clarified that this destruction operation is independent of the recent seizures carried out at the Caucedo Multimodal Port, as they correspond to different administrative processes. Likewise, he highlighted that preventing the circulation of these unregulated products is a fundamental step to safeguard the health of the population and improve the investment climate in the Dominican Republic.
Private sector support
For his part, Erick Pérez, representative of the Dominican Cigarette Industry Association (ASOCIGAR), positively assessed the impact of this inter-institutional intervention.
Beyond the destruction of more than 8 million cigarettes, the most important thing is that we are closing another door to smuggling and illicit trade. These types of actions send a clear message that the authorities are acting firmly and decisively against these practices that affect the economy, health, and security of the country.
Erick Pérez, representative of ASOCIGAR
A coordinated struggle
The destruction of the merchandise was carried out at the facilities of the company Residuos Clasificados Diversos (Resicla), in Los Alcarrizos. This act was attended by authorities from various security agencies and members of the Illicit Goods Board, an entity that brings together key public and private organizations, such as:
- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM)
- Ministry of Public Health
- Pro Consumidor
- National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD)
- Specialized Fuel Control Corps (CECCOM)
- Specialized Corps for Land Border Security (Cesfront)
- Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD)
- National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP)
With these measures, the Dominican State continues to consolidate its strategy to ensure that all goods entering the national territory comply with legal regulations, thus guaranteeing a fair and secure commercial environment.
