SANTO DOMINGO – “The temporary closure of the DEA office in Santo Domingo sent a clear message: ‘Corruption, or even its perception, has no place in the United States government or any other government,’” said the statement issued Thursday by the United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic, announcing the reopening of the DEA office, which had been closed last February due to a corruption scandal involving a high-ranking official of that agency.
The United States ambassador to the country, Leah Francis Campos, said that the United States has always been committed to maintaining the highest standards of accountability, and that its decision to temporarily close the DEA office was made in that spirit of integrity and transparency.
"While the investigation continues and justice takes its course, visa programs and other internal processes are being audited to ensure that we emerge from this process stronger and more resilient," the statement emphasizes.
The diplomat states in the document that "throughout this process, I have worked closely with the DEA administrator, Terry Cole, to ensure that the DEA office in Santo Domingo meets the highest standards of honesty and integrity that I expect from every person who serves in the embassy I lead.".
"Our priority is to restore integrity and trust with a renewed focus on our critical programs. I will not allow the dishonorable actions of a few to tarnish the mission and vital work of the men and women who serve at the DEA," he said.
The report indicates that the DEA office in Santo Domingo is reopening under new leadership, marking a new chapter in their shared fight against drug trafficking and corruption. "The United States is fully committed to our ongoing collaboration with the Dominican Republic in the important fight against drug traffickers, and I remain as determined as ever to eradicate the corruption and crime that threaten the future of our children," she stated.
He added that “this commitment was highlighted by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during the historic Conference of the Americas Against the Cartels, held last week at the headquarters of the United States Southern Command in Doral, Florida. Accompanied by leaders from across the region, including the Dominican Republic, Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the importance of sovereignty, strong borders, and regional commitment against the scourge of narcoterrorism.”
The statement concludes by noting that the Dominican Republic's active participation demonstrates the strength of the alliance and the mutual commitment to a safer, more prosperous, and more stable hemisphere. "Together we will continue to defend the rule of law, protect our citizens, and advance our shared priorities," the statement ends.
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