Dominican Republic Lauded for Anti-Illicit Trade Progress

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — Philip Morris Dominicana has acknowledged President Luis Abinader's leadership and the Dominican Republic's substantial progress in combating illicit trade. This recognition follows the release of the Illicit Trade Index 2025, which positioned the Caribbean nation among the least vulnerable in Latin America to such activities.

The Dominican Republic climbed 15 positions to rank 50th out of 188 countries in the 2025 index, compiled by the International Coalition Against Illicit Trade (Tracit). This improvement is attributed to a strengthened legal framework, enhanced inter-institutional coordination, and the consistent application of measures targeting these crimes.

The country had not appeared in this measurement since 2020, underscoring a significant structural leap achieved in just five years, according to the report.

In an official communication addressed to the president, Philip Morris Dominicana highlighted that the Tracit report placed the Dominican Republic alongside nations like Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. This reflects the government's firm institutional commitment to legality, transparency, and the protection of the formal economy.

The document specifically praised advancements in political commitment and public-private cooperation. It noted initiatives such as the Illicit Trade Roundtable (Mesa de Ilícitos) and inter-institutional collaboration led by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs. The report also recognized the reinforcement of the Command and Control Center (Ceccom) and border controls in strategic provinces, actions that have more effectively countered the smuggling of regulated products, safeguarding public health and national competitiveness.

Philip Morris Dominicana stated in its communication that it has actively contributed to these results. The company collaborated with authorities on illicit trade prevention efforts, including intelligence sharing, strengthening operational capabilities, donating specialized technology, and supporting institutions responsible for the nation's economic security.

The multinational firm further noted that 2024 saw seven historic convictions and the seizure of more than 75 million illicit units, demonstrating the positive impact of the Dominican model.

The communication also recognized the role of Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, Víctor Bisonó, for his leadership in coordinating the Illicit Trade Roundtable and solidifying a model that positions the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in the fight against illicit trade.

Historic Performance Backed by Data

The Dominican Republic concluded 2025 with historic results in its battle against illicit trade, recording over 30 criminal convictions, a significant increase in the incineration of illegal goods, and an unprecedented volume of seizures, according to official data from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM).

A notable achievement was the country reporting zero deaths from adulterated alcohol between 2021 and 2025. This milestone highlights the effectiveness of control, inspection, and prosecution measures implemented by authorities to eradicate a scourge that negatively impacted public health for years.

During 2025, authorities confiscated more than 172 million units of illicit goods. Seizures included 102,162,549 units of tobacco and related products, 68,580,556 units of medicines, and 1,714,651 bottles of alcohol and derivatives removed from the market.

Statistics indicate sustained growth in seizures, reaching 95,772,335 units in 2025, a figure surpassing the combined total from 2021 to 2024. Similarly, incinerated goods totaled 67,668,689 units, exceeding by over 67 million the amount incinerated in the preceding four years combined.

Authorities emphasized that these results solidify 2025 as a historic year in the fight against illicit trade. They also reaffirm the Dominican state's commitment to protecting health, public safety, fair competition, and strengthening the formal economy.