DOMINICAN DRUG CONTROL CHIEF "MERCILESS" WITH DRUG TRAFFICKERS

Santo Domingo.- The president of the National Drug Control Department
(DNCD) has issued a firm warning to international drug traffickers
and their associates in the country, saying they would receive a
"merciless response" from the DNCD and the Joint Task Force created
by presidential decree to monitor national territory.

Major General Gilberto Delgado Valdez described drug trafficking as
one of the most worrying problems the country is facing.

He added that for this reason, president Leonel Fernandez had decided
to create a structure aimed at providing a convincing response to
anyone trying to use the country as a bridge or trans-shipment point.

Delgado Valdez made these comments during a speech at a ceremony
establishing the first Joint Task Force group at Barahona's Maria
Montes International Airport yesterday.

Several airplanes and boats will be used to control drug trafficking
in the area.