La Vega judiciary "soft on drugs"
Senator Euclides Sanchez (La Vega-PLD) has reiterated his claim that judges are making lenient decisions in cases involving drug dealers. As reported in Hoy, he said that the judiciary in his province is being complacent with drug dealers. He mentioned the case of prosecutor Carmen Elizabeth Jimenez Frias who did not sit for two appointments made by Judge Jose Martin de la Mota, for which the procedure against a well-known drug trafficker in La Vega had to be dropped, and the dealer released. He said the prosecutor knew that her absence would result in the trafficker being discharged. As reported in Hoy, Senator Sanchez has sent letters to the president of the Supreme Court of Justice Jorge Subero Isa and to General Prosecutor Radhames Jimenez Pena, requesting an investigation into specific cases.
He said that there are many cases where drug dealers are acquitted for a legal loophole or issued fines of only RD$1,500 to RD$3,000 even in cases of repeat offenders. He said that his research has shown that trafficking and drug consumption in the province is on the rise, while the number of arrested drug dealers is on the decline.
Sanchez's allegations support recent claims by Senator Wilton Guerrero of Peravia, who complained about complicity between the authorities and drug dealers. Guerrero is expected to meet with President Leonel Fernandez this week to present his case.
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