Dominican Republic’s opposition leader denies links with Puerto Rican kingpin

Santo Domingo.- The president of Dominican Republic’s main opposition party (PRD), Miguel Vargas, yesterday said he’s never had links or dealings with Puerto Rican drug trafficker Jose Figueroa Agosto, as his former lover Sobeida Felix told authorities.

"I never had dealings or ties with Mr. Figueroa Agosto, that is that that name in the then 2008 electoral campaign, hadn’t been identified by authorities in illegal activities," he said.

He said as PRD presidential candidate during the 2008 campaign he participated in numerous fundraising activities, as all candidates usually do, where he affirms obtained funds.

Vargas said none of the lists of participants or guests who participated in such activities, are people linked to illegal actions. "Thank God, my effort, the support of my family and the trust placed in me by a lot of people, I have over 35 years of successful practice in the area of ??construction, real estate development and other business activities."

Kingpin’s lover

Vargas’ statement comes just hours after local media reported revelations by Sobeida Felix, who in plea bargaining with the National District Office of the Prosecutor, affirmed that Figueroa gave the then PRD presidential candidate at least US$300,000.