Verón–Punta Cana — A coordinated operation led by the La Altagracia Regional Intelligence Subdirectorate, in conjunction with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, resulted in the seizure of multiple shotguns believed to be connected to a robbery case under investigation in Santo Domingo Norte.
The intervention took place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, following a court warrant targeting a suspect known as “Julio El Rubio,” wanted for alleged illegal possession of firearms, in violation of Law 631-16 on Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materials.
Officers executed the search at approximately 4:40 p.m. at a residence on Calle En Proyecto, in the Bello Amanecer sector, near the Las Dos Jardas school, within the Verón–Punta Cana municipal district. On-site, authorities detained 37-year-old Ramona Altagracia Zapata Rosario. Police records from the Criminal Consultations System (SPCC) indicate she has no prior criminal history. No illicit items were found on her person; however, a significant cache of firearms was discovered inside the home.
Among the items seized were seven 12-gauge shotguns from various brands and serials: three Maverick, two Bossan, and two Armed. Investigators reported that the serial numbers on the Armed shotguns were filed off, heightening suspicions of their potential use in criminal activity. Officers also confiscated a rose-colored iPhone 7 with gold edges; its IMEI was not visible.
The operation concluded without incident at 5:20 p.m. The detainee underwent a medical evaluation at the Verón–Punta Cana General Hospital and was reported “without findings of physical interest.” She was then remitted to the on-duty prosecutor alongside the seized weapons for corresponding legal procedures.
According to the police report, Zapata Rosario denied knowledge of the firearms. She told investigators that a man known as “Julio El Rubio,” the husband of her friend Estephany, asked her to hold a bag he claimed contained motorcycle parts and left it in her room. Also present in the residence was the detainee’s minor daughter, who was placed in the care of a relative.
Authorities say the investigation remains active to determine the precise origin of the weapons and their connection to the robbery in Santo Domingo Norte. The case is under the direction of the La Altagracia Public Prosecutor’s Office with support from the Central Directorate of Intelligence (DINTEL).
