Dominican local government official accused of running pot trafficking ring

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic _ Authorities in the Dominican Republic have arrested a local government official accused of running a ring they say imported marijuana from Haiti.

Luis Domingo Medina Trinidad was arrested with four other men after police seized some 170 kilograms (375 pounds) of marijuana. Medina serves as councilman of the Independencia province that borders Haiti.

Police say the suspects are accused of distributing the drug in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo.

Police spokesman Jacobo Mateo Moquete said Friday that Medina was arrested after a monthlong investigation.

The Associated Press