Washington, D.C.- White Home spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt acknowledged that Caribbean nations are “grateful” for the U.S. navy presence within the area, highlighting latest cooperation with the Dominican Republic in seizing narcotics from a drug-laden boat focused by the U.S. Navy. Leavitt emphasised that regional nations are working alongside Washington to fight drug trafficking and praised the Trump administration’s efforts.

The Dominican Republic recovered 377 packages of suspected cocaine from the vessel, which was carrying a complete of roughly 1,000 kilos and three individuals who died within the assault. The seizure occurred 80 nautical miles south of Beata Island within the Dominican Unique Financial Zone (EEZ), in coordination with the U.S. Southern Command and the Joint Interagency Activity Pressure South (JIATF-South). EEZs enable a rustic to regulate assets and safety inside 200 nautical miles of its coast whereas allowing international navigation however limiting exploitation with out consent.

For the Dominican Republic, the EEZ is a strategic space for safeguarding fisheries, controlling drug trafficking routes, and defending sovereignty. The Dominican Navy and the Nationwide Directorate for Drug Management (DNCD) preserve maritime and air patrols within the southern zone, conducting joint operations with U.S. forces to safe the realm.