Dominican Authorities Shut Down Cardboard Factory in Guerra Over Unpermitted Operations and Seize Fuel
Authorities closed a cardboard factory in San Antonio de Guerra that was operating without permits, and found a clandestine fuel storage site.
Key points
- The "Cartesa Factory" was shut down in San Antonio de Guerra for failing to meet legal and administrative requirements.
- It lacked the Land Use Certificate and the authorizations needed to operate.
- A 5,000-liter tank was seized and 1,000 gallons of diesel were held, valued at RD$2,250,000.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM) shut down the Cartesa Factory, located in the municipality of San Antonio de Guerra. The agency said the business did not comply with several legal and administrative requirements.
According to the MICM, the company did not have the Land Use Certificate or the authorizations needed to carry out its commercial activities. Acento also reported that the factory had reportedly hired foreign workers irregularly.
During an inspection, members of the Specialized Corps for Fuel Control and Merchandise Trade (CECCOM) dismantled a clandestine fuel storage site operating without complying with Law No. 112-00 on Hydrocarbons. The operation seized a tank with a 5,000-liter capacity and held 1,000 gallons of diesel, valued at RD$2,250,000.
The operation was supported by the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), which verified the immigration status of the Asian-origin foreign nationals present at the site. The Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED) also ordered construction halted over alleged violations of Law No. 687-82 on Technical Regulations for the Preparation and Execution of Projects.
According to Acento, Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs Eduardo Sanz Lovatón stated that the country is open to foreign investment and trade, as long as activities are carried out within the framework of the law.
Why it matters
The case shows authorities enforcing permit and fuel regulations, which affects public safety and oversight of fuel in the country.