Release of money laundering suspects again place judges in the spotlight

Santo Domingo.- National Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) president Julio César Souffront on Tuesday called judge Alejandro Vargas’s to release of a Police sergeant arrested with nearly a half-a-million dollars in a luxury SUV in the capital Thursday. “very worrisome.”

National District Court records show that Eduardo Andrés Manssanet, 31, was released and not charged, despite that a months-long investigation by the DCND found that he forms part of an international drug trafficking network.

He said Manssanet’s specific functions in the Police are unknown.

Justice Minister

Justice minister Francisco Domínguez meanwhile announced a challenge to what he calls judge Vargas’ “inexplicable ruling,” noting that the nearly half a million dollars were seized from the accused.

Both officials complained of this and other cases that they said they have been known by different courts and freed the accused, mainly from drug trafficking.

The two officials, interviewed separately during the laying of a wreath at the National Altar, stated their concern with the recent releases of drug trafficking suspects by various judges.