DRUG TRAFFICKING'S RISE IS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC'S MAIN THREAT, DEPUTY SAYS

SANTO DOMINGO.- The deputy Pelegrin Castillo yesterday said the
increase in drug trafficking poses a threat against freedom and the
economy in general, and blamed the rise in domestic violence,
assaults, and social decay.

The legislator said drug trafficking's rise also threatens the
country's tourism development, which forces Dominican Republic to
protect against an image of a state incapable of fighting drug
trafficking by means interception planes and ships that use the
country as a bridge for their criminal activity.

According to the country's antinarcotics authorities, more than 200
drug trafficking flights occur annually, which violate the airspace
and drop more than 80,000 kilos of cocaine, as well as an unknown
amount from boats.

Castillo said the country's law enforcement agencies lack a radar
system, airplanes, boats and the coordination needed battle drug
trafficking. He said to fight it he has submitted legislation which
establishes the downing of planes which enter Dominican territory, if
after several warnings they fail to identify themselves and state the
reason for their incursion.

He said the bill, approved in the lower Chamber, is now pending in the Senate.

Castillo's concern is shared by National Drugs Control Agency (DNCD)
president Rafael Ramirez, who called drug trafficking humanity's
worse evil, equal only to international terrorism.