Haiti - FLASH : Arrest of 12 illegal fishermen in Dominican waters in 48 hours
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, as part of the actions to guarantee the integrity of the maritime resources of the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Navy (ARD) intercepted an artisanal boat with 3 Haitian fishermen on board, who were carrying out illegal fishing activities in waters under Dominican jurisdiction in Pepillo Salcedo, Monte Cristi.
During the intervention, the 3 Haitian fishermen in an irregular migratory situation were arrested and placed at the disposal of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) for the corresponding legal procedures.
It should be recalled that on Monday, January 6, four other artisanal boats equipped with 15 HP engines that were carrying out illegal fishing activities in national waters off Pedernales were intercepted.
During the operation, 9 Haitian fishermen without documents were arrested and handed over to DGM agents, while the 4 boats were seized and handed over to the Miramar detachment of the ARD.
In addition, regarding the rumors circulating that Haitians are using the maritime zone to illegally enter the Dominican Republic, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Director General of Migration, said "This information has been analyzed and refined. I have worked with the Commander General of the Navy, with the J-2 (intelligence service), and so far, the Navy personnel have not found evidence validating these rumors, however, we remain vigilant."
