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SANTO DOMINGO.- National Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) director Rafael Ramirez said he agrees with firing against suspicious aircraft that violate Dominican airspace as a preventive measure against drug trafficking and terrorism, as the Presidency’s Adviser on Drugs Marino Vinicio Castillo (Vincho) recommends.

Interviewed on the Hoy Mismo program on Channel 9, Ramirez said drugs are a problem of national security, so he agrees in taking that measures which some consider extreme and dangerous

The official said that thanks to the anti-drugs summit held recently in the country, with international cooperation and coordination, the amount of drugs that enter Dominican territory fell by as much as 90%.

He said that since the summit one month the DNCD jointly with the United States Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Coast Guard and the Task Force Key West, with up to 6 helicopters, airplanes and radars, is working to reduce the amount drugs entering Dominican territory. He added that before the summit the country lacked protection from illegal flights originating in South and Central America.

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COMMENTS
7 comment(s)
Written by: Ruben, 23 Apr 2007 1:56 PM
From: Bonao, RD
The DR has every right to shoot down any plane that does not heed to their warning or comply to their request to land or identify themselves. This is the only way these drug pushers will understand that the Dominican Republic means business and will defend its territory against this WAR against drugs. If we want to our country to be cleaned from this cancer of drug then we need to be extremely tough and consistant on this issue. We cannot back down or make any exceptions.
Written by: Billy H. Adams, 23 Apr 2007 2:16 PM
From: Santiago, Santiago
Let us hope andpray that this declaration isn't taken by some trigger-happy pilot that he has free rein to shoot down aircraft that may be manned by complete innocents.
There ARE those who don't understand Spanish and may be tuned to a different radio frequency.
There is a correct "International Protocol for intercepting and escorting stray, lost and unresponsive aircraft to thenearest suitable landing strip for further investigation in these matters. I would hope that they are followed.
Written by: Hector Lopez, 23 Apr 2007 5:38 PM
From: Bronx, NY
Once the government shoots down a few planes they will think twice before flying over Dominican airspace. I think it's about time we take over our country back from these thugs. I say shoot them down. We need to change these laws that are weak and hit them with harsh sentences.
Written by: JD, 23 Apr 2007 9:17 PM
From: Washington, DC
A good decision to fire on suspicious aircraft because it is unwise to wait (i.e. on chemical terrorism). Thanks to US leadership by Karen Tandy etc, for a first the RD is "starting" to work! The 90% drug reduction noted is ABSOLUTELY UNTRUE but only PROPAGANDA as there is a CONSTANT RD drug supply to Santiago poor barrios, trade zone via the Haitian border. From Santiago gangs in Los Platanitos (Ensanche Caonabo) to other barrios Hato Mayor, Lindo & Simon Bolivar and onto La Capital!
Written by: JD, 24 Apr 2007 2:06 PM
From: Washington, DC
The RD has already been too politically correct but now needs to take actions & be tougher on criminals. We all understand the need for INTERNATIONAL PROTOCAL but in this town if you fly over the White House then there is very LIMIITED protocal! Remember 9/11, the US was prepared to shoot down our own civilian aircraft if they would not touch-down (which I did not agree with doing prematurely)? This is the post 9/11 world, so RD wake up as illegal drugs & terrorism go together!
Written by: Victor, 26 Apr 2007 11:20 AM
From: Puerto Plta
If this really happens we are just going have to face the fact that they'll be shooting down there own planes. So lets stop dreaming, the corruption in this country is too strong...
Written by: JEFRY, 30 Apr 2007 9:59 AM
From: miami
SOME MANY, BUILDINGS, COMPANIES, TOURIST PROJECTES
ARE DONE WITH MONEY COMING FROM DRUGS.
THE COUNTRY IS FACING BAD TIMES.
IS NOT A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THE NEXT GENERATIONS, THAT A LOT PEOPLE FROM THE ALL PARTS OF THE STATE,COULD BE INVOLVED.
WHEN YOU ARE LOOSING MORAL-VALUES, AND MONEY CAN BUY EVEN HONOR...WHAT IS GOING TO BE NEXT?
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