Pubdate: Sat, 08 Sep 2007 Source: Dominican Today (Dominican Republic) Copyright: 2007 Dominican Today Contact: http://www.dominicantoday.com/app/contact.aspx Website: http://www.dominicantoday.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4101 US OFFICIAL PRAISES DOMINICAN FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRADE Santo Domingo - United States State Department official with responsibility for Caribbean Affairs Velia de Piero has praised the Dominican Republic's fight against the drug trade. De Piero held a meeting with National Drug Control Department (DNCD) chief, General Rafael Radhames Ramirez Ferreira. De Piero held a one-hour meeting with the DNCD president, along with Peter A. Reilly, U.S. special anti-drug department director in Santo Domingo, and other U.S. embassy officials. "It was a courtesy visit made by Mrs. de Piero, who speaks perfect Spanish, to obtain first-hand knowledge of the DNCD's current work", said Ramirez, following the meeting, which was held at his office. We are infinitely grateful to these officials for coming to see what we are doing, and we must acknowledge their valuable cooperation". De Piero has held a number of meetings with Dominican officials who are working in the fight against drug trafficking. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek