Former PRM Councilor Arrested Again, Reveals History of Drug and Smuggling charges
Boca Chica, Dominican Republic – A former councilor for the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) in Boca Chica has been arrested, adding to a documented history of run-ins with the law involving drug trafficking and smuggling. Paulino Castro was recently detained, and records show prior arrests in 2012 and 2010 related to narcotics and illicit trade, raising questions about vetting processes for public officials and ongoing efforts to combat criminal activity in key port areas.
CastroS repeated involvement with law enforcement,spanning over a decade,underscores a pattern of alleged criminal behavior despite his recent position in local government. The revelations come as authorities continue to focus on disrupting smuggling operations emanating from the Caucedo Multimodal Port and Boca Chica, critical hubs for Dominican commerce. This case highlights the challenges of preventing individuals with questionable backgrounds from attaining positions of power and possibly undermining public trust.
In 2012, Castro was arrested with nearly six kilograms of cocaine while traveling on the Las Americas highway. He was accompanied by Manuel Alberto Sánchez, edward Valdez, and Juan pablo Florián florián, according to the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD). The group was reportedly traveling in a BYD vehicle near a toll booth, as reported by Daily List on september 6, 2012, and confirmed by Free Diary inquiry sources.
Prior to his more recent political role, Castro was arrested in 2010 alongside 12 others during an “anti-smuggling operation” in Boca Chica. The operation, conducted by intelligence officers from the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) and the Criminal Investigation Center (Dicrim) of the National Police, seized a shipment including drinks, weapons, cartridges, two trucks, two SUVs, and a car, as detailed in a Free Diary publication.
Authorities steadfast the group was allegedly involved in the irregular removal of goods from the Caucedo multimodal Port and boca Chica,according to facts released at the time. The ongoing investigation will determine the extent of Castro’s involvement in these alleged activities and whether further charges will be filed.
