US Closes DEA Office in Santo Domingo Amid Corruption Concerns

The United States has indefinitely closed its Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, due to suspected corruption.

US Ambassador Lea Campos announced the decision via X, stating, "I will not tolerate even the perception of corruption in any of the embassy's services that I lead."

Campos added that using public office for personal gain is a "disgusting and disgraceful violation of public trust."

The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, has allowed US armed forces to use the Santo Domingo airport and an air base in the country since November 2025.

Dominican authorities have participated in joint operations with the US armed forces, resulting in drug seizures.