SANTO DOMINGO.- The fugitive Cristian Almonte is accused of heading a powerful drug trafficking network, with links to the east and north regions, whose members report to him on the operations there, and dispute with other networks the control  of the drug which enters the country through those zones.

He allegedly directs 40 micro cartels which operate in the Dominican Republic and which Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) president Rolando Rosado says are being persecuted.

Almonte’s pursuit began around one month ago when antinarcotics agents detained an individual with four grams of cocaine, leading to a spate of arrests and the seizure of US$4.6 million, within one of the SUVs seized, as well as in the capture of Sobeida Felix Morel, whom the Office of the Prosecutor says is his paramour.

Also seized were 28 watches, two pistols, a scale to weigh drugs, two apartments, among others properties. It was reported that other properties are being tracked down, especially in tourist resorts, whereas a Justice Ministry commission probes possible bank accounts of Almonte, Felix Morel or their associates, in local as well as in foreign banks.

Yesterday intelligence agencies said the fugitive is "heavily armed and dangerous,” whereas a DNCD source revealed that special agents closely watch all the airports as well as the entrances to cities "and all suspicious vehicles are meticulously registered," whereas A National District court yesterday ruled to incarcerate Felix Morel for one year at the jail in Najayo, San Cristóbal.