 DominicanToday.com - Monday’s revelation during an interrogation of the details behind an ID of the National Investigations Department (DNI) issued to the Puerto Rican drug baron Jose Figueroa Agosto has finally led to what was widely suspected, the involvement of senior military officers and government officials in the money laundering, drug trafficking, and murder-for-hire case.
The general allegedly linked to the drug scandal, albeit retired, was identified as Fernando Cruz Mendez, by ex Army lieutenant colonel Jose Francisco Rodriguez, who denied having the authority to make such a decision in that intelligence agency.
But Cruz Mendez countered that the colonel “knows about that,” when asked by the journalist Huchi Lora on rodriguez’s allegation that he was “following superior orders” to issue the ID.
Rodriguez, interrogated yesterday in the National District Office of the Prosecutor, revealed that the DNI issues three types of ID cards: informer, agent, and official, specified that Figueroa’s was the official type, which Lora reports that it “opens many doors.”
When asked if he was the person who granted Figueroa a DNI card, the retired colonel affirmed that the first time he ever heard of the Puerto Rican, was when his name came out in the press.
Rodriguez Fernandez, upon leaving the Office of the Prosecutor, said he’s willing to submitted to questioning as often as necessary, insisting that he doesn’t have any link to the case of drug trafficking and money laundering, with eight defendants standing trial in the country, and at least as many others in Puerto Rico.
He said he doesn’t fear for his life and doesn’t know any of the accused in the Figueroa case, adding that he isn’t privy to, or handled any type of secret information that involves those people or their operations.
Dominican Watchdog Note: This comes as no surprise to anybody with just a little inteligence. Only the local press has been afraid of printing the facts and names for many years!!! It's crystal clear from the over 600 articles posted on Dominican Watchdog that drugs, money lanudering and murder for hire runs the Dominican police and military. There is no way such activities would be allowed if the generals and top of government was not involved. And worse the article below related to another recent drug case shows it will continue:
Officers linked to drug deals will be discharged, not charged
DominicanToday.com – Continuing the tradition of discharging instead of indicting officers accused of helping narcotics traffickers, the Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) yesterday recommended the expulsion of 13 members of the Armed Forces, headed by a lieutenant colonel and an Army captain.
A board of four colonels from the DNCD Internal Affairs, the Air Force and the Airport Security Corp affirms having found evidence to oust colonel Ramon Vásquez, captain Genetti Moronta, the first lieutenants Franskimy Moreno and Randy Grullón, the first three of the Army and the last Air Force, on links to a ring which tried to send 33 kilos of cocaine to Canada, via Puerto Plata’s airport in March.
In a statement, DNCD president Rolando Rosado said several sergeant majors, corporals and privates will also be dishonorably discharged, but didn’t mention the filing of charges.
Written by: Lopez31, 18 May 2011 10:17 AM
From: United States
Ofcourse we don't want to charge them. That would discourage others from doing it and thus cut into the pockets of government officials. Come on people get with the program!
From: United States, FREEPORT, Long Island....Eeeeazzy !! (He who is silent, is understood to consent)
WHAT!!! NO 50 MINIMUM WAGE FINES?
This is embarrassing news.... Drug dealers are being protected in the dominican republic and they get to keep the drug monies also. This is a drug dealers paradise.
From: Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata
Can't lock up the employees.
It's bad for business.
From: United States
What kind of failed state is this?
You Dominicans HAVE to be embarrassed about something like this, correct?
Why the F... should ANYONE in the DR have ANY moral values. LF you are a useless POS with NO balls. You do not have the morals to be a President.
This and you are pathetic.
Written by: juanb, 18 May 2011 10:30 AM
From: Dominican Republic
This is really an outrage.
From: United States
Then WHY should ANYONE go to jail for drugs? WHY?
How can you send some people to jail for corruption and other you do not?
HOW?
Other than you have the morals of a gnat and the balls the same size.
From: United States
It is serious time for a revolution.
This type of action only accentuates the idea that the rest of the world looks at the Dominican race as of a bunch of idiots with no moral compass.
How are these people in authority?
From: United States
"Puerto Rican kingpin’s Dominican wife gets 5 years in the slammer"
You can send a woman to jail but not ANYONE connected to the government.
What a society, you should be ashamed.
Written by: okian, 18 May 2011 11:06 AM
From: United States
Obviously anyone in their right mind can see what the problem is here!
Written by: jcl_67, 18 May 2011 11:17 AM
From: Dominican Republic
So why charge the anybody in the case of Agosto and Sobeida, you can charge civilans but not officials who were in on it!!!
Wait i want to be a cop so i can make a run for about 5 years and collect my share and get rich or get fired trying!!!
The reason they don't get charged is because those implicated have dirt on the higher rankings all the way up the ladder and they are told look the media has put pressure on us so what we are going to do is not charge you, release you but you still get to keep your pension and all the money you made for us, so have a happy retirement.
what a bunch of clowns should be ashamed of themselves!!!
DR will NEVER, NEVER be a developed country!!!!
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera
The situation here is very clear. If these people were faced with criminal proceedings and jail they would probably spill the beans on the rest of the people involved all the way up to the top! By merely discharging them and probably giving them another lucrative position and enabling them to retain their ill gotten gains as well as continuing with their drugs trade they are happy and no one else is exposed.
Written by: Atabey, 18 May 2011 11:31 AM
From: United States
Juanb, I agree. At a minimum should have confiscated their properties and bank accounts, too. But then the fear might be that they'll turn into outright Gangsters. The culture of discharging without minimum sentencing, say 10 years, needs to be CHANGED. To allow this to go forward is to encourage future and current members to enrich themselves while swearing allegiance to the Constitution.
From: United States
"The reason they don't get charged is because those implicated have dirt on the higher rankings "
This very true, but I would say that morality has been bred out of Dominicans while inbred with their macho moron entitlement mentality.
They are just waiting for their chance to go the corrupt route because it is easy and they are lazy, hubris worthless pieces of flesh.
From: United States
adrian and jcl understand the problem. if you charge them, then they will spill the beans on the government officials during the court proceedings. so, they discharge them, with a golden parachute which will make their lives even more cushy than before. it does not take chinese algebra to figure that out.
From: United States
There can be NO other reason how this article can be published as a side note, as a "matter of fact" unless NO ONE understands.
This is exactly why the DR government does not spend money on education, you have to be plain ignorant no to riot over this type of behavior.
Written by: juanb, 18 May 2011 11:41 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Always remember: THE FISH STINKS FROM THE HEAD!!!!!
From: United States
this is not rocket science. these guys are co conspirators in drug trafficking. they are as guilty as anyone in the circle. but they are not charged, like the other actors. they are given immunity from answering to legal prosecutions. not hard to figure that someone does not want them to have to testify. it is as plain as the nose on your face.
From: United States
actually, juanb, in this case, it is the head that generates the stench.
From: United States
Then it is time for a revolution.
You cannot print this type of information without a riot.
From: United States, FREEPORT, Long Island....Eeeeazzy !! (He who is silent, is understood to consent)
I would like the USA to invade this country right about now, set-up shop and kidnap all involved, ship them to the cuba base for interrogation.
Written by: Escott, 18 May 2011 12:30 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
People here have more to worry about than this BS.
No potable water so the people are always sick.
No electric so have to wait to do laundry.
Too much on their minds than to worry about this shit and the Government keeps it that way.
Written by: lovingit, 18 May 2011 12:30 PM
From: United States
WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So its up to "El Pueblo" to hang them?
Oh wait.. I bet they'll still have protection from their prior agencies.
What a FUC%^NG SHAME!!!!
From: United States, Yonkers, NY
They should be hung in a public square and on national tv. Send a message.
Written by: Perez, 18 May 2011 2:54 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Ah yes DR justice at its finest. What a carribean shithole! Poor DR, it is as good as sodom and gommorah!
Written by: Juango, 18 May 2011 3:21 PM
From: United States, far S. Florida (formerly Santo Domingo)
I would like to see a public statement issued by the US Ambassador regarding these recent events. Do the Ambassador and Mrs. Clinton have the guts/cojones to call a spade a spade? Based on what US Southern Command & DEA announced two weeks ago regarding anti-Drug efforts in the DR, I truely believe the US State Department, DOD, Dept of Interior all have their heads up their A$$ !
Written by: Juango, 18 May 2011 3:29 PM
From: United States, far S. Florida (formerly Santo Domingo)
From April 25, 2011 DT article,
"Dominican Republic accepted Washington’s offer of a “far reaching support” in the war on drug trafficking, after president Leonel Fernandez met with Southern Command chief Douglas Fraser in the National Palace on Sunday."
I guess Chief Douglas Fraser is a good "POLITICO" as well (lip service and photo ops)..... what a freakin joke and a WASTE of US TAXPAYERS money ! What good is a war on drugs, if nobody gets punished ? It is a truely pathetic state of affairs.
Written by: danny00, 18 May 2011 3:35 PM
From: United States
THIS government to one degree or another has STRIPPED their people of their BASIC DIGNITY.they have deprived them of a FORMAL EDUCATION, ELEC, JOB'S, A POLICE DEPT THAT WOULD PROTECT THEM AND SERVICE THEM.and WORST of all NEVER let them to DEVELOP anywhere near their FULL POTENTIAL. and as the world has become HYPER CONNECTED its become OBVIOUS to many dominican citizen just how far BEHIND they where, not only to the UNITED STATES, but to CHINA, INDIA, AND PARTS OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.
THIS combination of being TREATED as CHILDREN by their AUTOCRATS and as BACHWARDS by the rest of the world.
GUESS many feel a deep HUMILIATION
STAND UP AND SAY TO THEM
"IAM A MAN"- I HAVE VALUE, I HAVE ASPIRATIONS I WANT RIGHTS EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD HAS.
ALL U NEED IS THE COURAGE!!!
Written by: danny00, 18 May 2011 3:55 PM
From: United States
I guess Chief Douglas Fraser is a good "POLITICO
???? IF U GO ON LINE U WILL SEE THAT DRUGS ARE BEING SHIPPED ALL OVER THE WORLD FROM THE DR.
if their was no drug use in the united states then u mean all the dr problems with the drug dealers and drug trade would end???
dont think so.
Written by: danny00, 18 May 2011 4:18 PM
From: United States
PUNTA CANA
one tourists trap
and the tourists are speaking about this on line.
if u leave the hotel theres nothing.
sorry their is something else
the so-called mafia has left the pop area and mover south where they have a chance to rob a tourists or a dominican.
few weeks ago a lady and her daughter went to punta cana, they rob her room, she called the police her 18y old daughter went with the police in their car, one of the so-called police tryed to attack the young lady she jumped from the car and ran for her life. {the police bring their own crime wave dont they?}
nice place to vist u would say???
From: United States
LF you should be ashamed for not stepping in and doing what you were elected to do. These people should have everything seized and be put in jail. I only hope we get a future President who will investigate all of these people and their families for their ill gotten fortunes and seize it all back for the people. We could fix our major problems if we went after our corrupt officials in a very strong way.
The message is clear steal all you can and be a drug dealer if you get caught you simply lose your job. What a joke!
From: United States
dany00 remarks
one tourists trap
and the tourists are speaking about this on line.
if u leave the hotel theres nothing.
funny you should say that today. just this afternoon i spoke with a buddy of mine , who went there to look for work. he said the same thing. leave the hotel complex, you might as well be in the middle of the sahara.
Written by: juanb, 18 May 2011 8:19 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Veronica:
When exactly do you think we might elect an honest President?
How about never.
The people aren't outraged by what is going on.
The only thing in their minds is "How do I get mine?".
Who amongst the candidates are we to trust?
The worst president of any country ever, Mejia?
How about Mr. "Your policies are my policies", Medina?
Or best of all the rat in the cravat, rsegura?
Written by: juanb, 18 May 2011 8:23 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Seems to me our choice is between gonorrhea, diarrhea, or syphilis.
From: Dominican Republic
Don't you see its all just a well choriagraphed show in order for the ruling party and its owners to eliminate its traitors and others who have fallen out of favor. of course no one connected to the government will be prosecuted. this whole thing wouldn't even be happening if there weren't a political necesity for it. What you think there are people involved in this that really care about drug traficking and corruption apart for maybe 1 or 2. This is coming to a head precisely at the end of the political cycle. everything has been preplanned and carefully thought out. Hey USA, IMF, and WORLD BANK dosesn't it look like we are doing something about drugs and corruption? Keep the dolars flowing so we can keep up the good work. PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN.
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Business as usual. Yes, business as usual.
No end in sight to situation, as several of you have already astutely established above.
We are doomed and condemned to life of disrespect and abuse.
MJEV.
From: United States
glomar, unfortunately, the social constructs of the country are such that there is no accountability. it is bizarre. you vote these bums in to serve society, and the worm turns, making them your masters. they do just as they please, because they are immune to any civilised notion of social responsibility. in some political situations, there are recall elections, where bums who fail to tow the line are thrown out. in the DR, nobody pays a price for malfeasance. it cannot change...ever. if you aspire to live in a modern social and political ecosystem, there is only ONE solution. LEAVE.
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
@ Dr. Dread,
Sad, but true.
From: United States
glomar, are you up there in the areas near to places like Horseheads?
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
@Dr. Dread,
I am about 45 miles from Horseheads. I am in the suburbs of Rochester.
Why do you ask? Are you familiar with this area? It is really beautiful, with many lakes and mountains,etc.
From: United States
this whole tendency for Dominican politicians to do just as they please is reflected in the behavior of the general society, so it is no wonder that it is acceptable to the man in the street. the average Dominican exhibits, to my thinking, behaviors which are inherently antisocial, but seem to receive no condemnation from others. i sat in an internet cafe, just yesterday, and the guy beside me, maybe all of 12 years old, threw his empty soda bottle out the door, into the street. this is despite the fact that there is a garbage receptacle right next to the doorway. nobody in the place excoriated him for this. as far as they were concerned, that is acceptable behavior, even though it is detrimental for the appearance and sanitation of the area. guys and girls came in, one after, shouting at the top of their lungs, while others were on cellphones, conversing loudly. it did not dawn on anyone there that other people were present, and that they might be disturbing them.
From: United States
i have met people from just about every country i can think of, and these behaviors are something i have not seen in other people. to watch a group of adolescents carousing loudly outside the bedroom windows of people who are trying to get some sleep at 2am is an everday, or everynight, event. when you function like that, with no regard nor respect for the existence of people, then others, like politicians, will wreak the same horrors upon you, because they believe that you are a minimalist creature who ought not to be taken seriously. now don´t you all shoot me at once. take a ticket, and join the queue.
Written by: danny00, 19 May 2011 1:23 PM
From: United States
The people aren't outraged by what is going on.
The only thing in their minds is "How do I get mine?". SAD BUT TRUE THIS COMMENT.
the problem the country will never really grow when every one is out for himself.
so many say they loved the dr their country, if this is true which i sure their are millions who do, then stand up and fight back, fine the COURAGE.
From: United States
Off course they are savage Dominicans, thank god, the people are recognizing this culture of savage mutt babies, for their worth to us the U.S.A. , nothing but tax payers dollars to fund their Washington heights babies who get transferred to other areas of the city then poor areas of Pennsylvania like Hazelton (poor town) , the money laundering of drug money threw Dominican hair salons and food outlets is already being investigated. If the government does not start doing something soon, vigilantes will have to take this into their own hands, executing all illegal Dominicans in the u.s. (p.r. included)
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