Jerusalem, 15 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Three Israelis were arrested at Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 16 packages of cocaine hidden inside their suitcases.
The arrests occurred in two separate incidents shortly before the suspects were due to board a flight to Frankfurt, Germany.
According to local reports, authorities arrested a 38-year-old man and woman identified as Roman and Daria, and a third Israeli national.
A search revealed a double wall in the first suitcase containing seven packages, and a secret compartment in the second held nine additional packages wrapped in adhesive tape and plastic bags.
Authorities also seized three mobile phones, electronic equipment, foreign currency, passports and personal documents. Dominican authorities are investigating suspicions that an international criminal organization recruited the Israelis as couriers to transport cocaine to Europe.