A Public Health Ministry spokesman has been quoted as saying that authorities have found the importers who illegally brought toxic toothpaste into the Dominican Republic. At this time no further details of the smugglers or the case are being released.

At this point about 10,000 tubes of the contaminated toothpaste have been seized and no reports of injury or death from use of the tainted product have been reported in the Dominican Republic. The toothpaste contains the toxic chemical diethylene glycol which is usually found in products such as brake fluid and antifreeze. Prolonged use of the toothpaste could result in kidney failure and even death.

The toothpaste is sold not only under the names 'Mr. Cool' and 'Excel' but also 'Junior Excel' and 'Papitas' two brands aimed specifically at children. It was illegally smuggled in disguised as a shipment of dog food.

Public Health officials are urging the public not to use the tainted toothpaste.