NCJ Number
149352
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper profiles the structure and operations of Dominican drug traffickers in New York City.
Abstract
New York City has the highest concentration of Dominicans, legal and illegal, in the United States, approximately one million. They are concentrated in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan. The increase in Dominican participation in all levels of narco-trafficking and types of substances (heroin/cocaine) constitutes the emergence of a new criminal group of major significance. The Dominican narco-trafficker is perhaps the most cunning and resourceful. Total control of a community is achieved through coercion and intimidation. They are well-armed and readily kill those who would obstruct their drug enterprises. Law enforcement efforts are stymied by the silence of intimidated witnesses, the ability of Dominican traffickers to integrate and interrelate with various ethnic groups, and the use of legitimate businesses to hide illegal activities. Since the Dominican Republic does not recognize extradition of its citizens, Dominican traffickers being sought by American police find sanctuary in their home country and then return to the United States at a later time. Law enforcement efforts against Dominican traffickers can be improved through greater law-enforcement cooperation at the city, State, and Federal levels. A Dominican liaison with the Immigration and Naturalization Service could help in securing information on the identification and travel patterns of Dominicans suspected of narco-trafficking. Liaisons with the Custom Service and the Internal Revenue Service would also be fruitful.