DOMINICAN, HAITI ALLIES IN HISPANIOLA'S OWN WAR ON DRUGS

SANTO DOMINGO.-Interim U.S. ambassador to the Dominican Republic
Roland Bullen says since drug trafficking is a problem that affects
the entire Caribbean, Dominican and Haitians must fight it jointly.

Speaking at the opening of today's anti-kidnapping course at Police
headquarters, Bullen said the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations
(FBI) has also pledged its support and says law enforcement officials
must work fast to mitigate trafficking and related crimes.

Bullen said the anti-kidnapping course, with 16 Haitian and 20
Dominican officials taking part, was a good example of the cooperation
between the two nations.

Haitian police detective Herve Fils Aime also praised the relationship
between police in his country and the Dominican Republic. He said
turnout at the workshop shows officials on both sides of the border
are working hard to share information and ensure the security of their
citizens.

Kidnapping is a tactic frequently used by drug traffickers to collect
debts.

National Police chief Rafael Guzman said the anti-kidnapping workshop
is an essential tool in helping police work more efficiently.