Cocaine Bust in the DR

When I lived in Guadalajara, I was occasionally asked if I was from the DEA. Back then, Jalisco was a common transit point for Columbian cocaine headed for the U.S. Before I arrived, Enrique Camarena, a DEA agent on assignment in Guadalajara was killed there. I spent a lot of time in the irregular settlement areas of the city while I was doing a study for the University of Guadalajara located in los Belenes.

Anyway, it now appears that the DR has become one of the major stops for cocaine on its way to the U.S., this thanks to a guy named Ernesto Castillo. Seems like Castillo has worked his way up in public circles, making friends with police, prison officials, even an ex-president, while expanding his businesses throughout the country. According to the Washington Times, Castillo's empire, valued at over a billion dollars, includes ranches, auto dealerships, hotels, helicopters, import and export businesses, etc. He was a large contributor to local politicians.

There is a substantial debate in the DR about Castillo's extradition to the United States.

The Revista Dominicana is another great local news source. They report that his bank accounts valued at $116 million have been frozen.