AZUA.- The Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) and of the National Police have increased the number of agents, checkpoints in strategic places, and searches of vehicles and people on the highway to Santo Domingo.

The measure comes less than 48 hours after the shooting deaths of four people linked to drug trafficking, including Police agents.

The latest victim of the clashes between drug gangs which rip off drugs and money is Braulio Estefanía Mejía Rossó (Polito), who had reportedly been kidnapped and was found shot to death yesterday in the vicinity of Santo Domingo’s horse racking track, said Police West Region commander Cesar Decena.

Also killed in the clashes were Police major Israel Sanchez, the civilian Matías Santos (Fredín) and another man unidentified so far, whereas lieutenant Alberto A. Segura, sergeant Juan Carlos Arias and corporal David Felix Pimentel, corporal Luis Manuel Collado’s alleged accomplices are being held in San Juan’s jail.

Consulted on the situation gripping Azua last night, the San Juan and Elías Piña provinces Police commander confirmed the increased patrols, as well as the transfer of the precinct’s entire personnel, as Police chief Rafael Guzman had announced.

Decena said he asked senator Wilton Guerrero, “in the most respectful and friendly manner,” to deliver the list with the names of the more than 20 officers stationed there, whom the legislator affirms are “at the service of drug traffickers.”