An important operation, led by General José Rafael Santana Lopez, head of the 5th Infantry Brigade of the Army and General Clase, director of the Specialized Unit of the Border Security (CESFRONT) has successfully dismantled a smuggling ring of charcoal. 33 illegal kilns were discovered and destroyed in areas of Jimani, Neiba, Duvergé on the border area. 524 bags of charcoal were seized.

Also participated in the raids, members of the G-2 (domestic intelligence service) and the the environment. More than 70 Haitian illegal immigrants, were arrested during these operations and 3 Dominicans who have been brought to justice for violating the law 64-00 on the environment and natural resources. Haitians were returned to their countries of origin.

Learn more about the traffic of charcoal :

These operations of environmental destruction, are run by groups of businessmen, Haitians and Dominicans, who finance the illicit fabrication of charcoal, and which benefit of complicity among the responsibles in charge of the border surveillance. A study by the Dominican Ministry of the environment estimated in 2009 to over 200 the number of illegal producers of charcoal on the border, for most Haitians. The Dominicans providing transportation. About 37.000 bags of charcoal would be produced each month for an amount of US$2.5 million. Generally, the producers receive 50%, truckers or carriers by boat 25%, local intermediaries 13%, and bribes account 12% of sales. The production of charcoal (vegetal) is primarily intended for resale on the Haitian market.

HL/ HaitiLibre