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SANTO DOMINGO.- Although New York federal prosecutors have yet to inform their Dominican pars on other possible accomplices in the narcotics-trafficking network that included Quirino Paulino, ‘El Don', they confirmed that he was only a `peon' and that the `lords’ have yet to be touched.

Meanwhile the names of people mentioned on an alleged U.S. extradition list grows, including media personalities linked to the drugs and money laundering ring that Paulino appeared to direct as absolute chief prior to his arrest with 1,386 kilos of cocaine in December, 2004, the country’s biggest drug bust.

“It’s not true that a list with new accused in the Quirino case has arrived…it’s also not true that United States authorities have asked other Dominicans in extradition in relation to this case so far,” said a judicial source.

United States Embassy sources also commented in that regard. “This doesn’t work in that manner…if there was any reason for an extradition order the regular channels of Dominican Justice and the Executive Branch are used to proceed according to Dominican laws, and after serious charges have been formulated in the United States and based on evidence after a pertinent investigation as has occurred in the past, always with respect to the laws of both countries.”

Together with Paulino the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New York Office of the Prosecutor charged 21 people of being part of a narcotics trafficking network that shipped 33 tons of cocaine to New York State in just six years, and that laundered millions of dollars for the Colombian drug cartels.

Connections

The DEA, Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) and Dominican judicial investigations uncovered direct links between Paulino’s operations and other rings which have continued with the drug trafficking business in Dominican Republic, after the group El Don directly operated was dismantled.

They found that Paulino began his cocaine operation between Colombia, Dominican Republic and the United States at the end of 1998, but it wasn’t until 2000 when it reached its “climax,” protected by senior military officials and politicians who turned him into a lord in his native Elías Piña province (southwest), where he managed businesses worth millions.

His now confiscated fortune was more than RD$600 million, of which RD$325 million was in cash and bank accounts, and also in luxury real estate properties in the Capital, gas stations, and investments in other businesses.

SOURCE: listin.com.do

 

 

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COMMENTS
38 comment(s)
Written by: josean, 6 Jan 2009 12:53 PM
From: United States
Lie-onel will be there on the 20th , which can save the DEA a flight ticket!
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 6 Jan 2009 1:40 PM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
we keep hearing about it but when are we going to see the perp walk....hippo is gonna look great in one of those helmets
Written by: josean, 6 Jan 2009 1:47 PM
From: United States
Chauncey,

You should always wear a belt!
Written by: Juango, 6 Jan 2009 1:50 PM
From: United States, far S. Florida (formerly Santo Domingo)
Probably won't be announced to the public, till LF is out of town on his next VACATION (Obama's Party), for security reasons... Go figure. Is LF frightened for his own safety, as he may have made some BIG promises to some folks (Stick with me, I'll protect you...)? Who knows? But some big names must be on the list, as the stakes are very high, $200 MM DOP to be returned to Quirino and protection for 18 in the Witness Protection Program. Those stakes are unheard of, therefore Quirino must have ratted-out some major BRASS ! Look at those folks that appear to not have gotten any rest in the last week..we will soon know. My question is, where did the 1300+ kg go? Up in flames as the DNCD wants you to believe? No way! that stuff is PLATINUM !! Where is the Money from PAYA? Why don't we hear more about the missing plane with 11 illegals with fake VISAS? Too many questions, and no credible answers.
Written by: josean, 6 Jan 2009 2:05 PM
From: United States
juango,

You have to stop with that bad habit of holding their feet to the fire and always seeking the truth!
Written by: generoso, 6 Jan 2009 2:05 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
I hate to be a party spoiler or to rain on anybody's parade but I really doubt that any names will be brought forward with all this news spinning and hearsay rumors.
Military figures? Yes but where are the names?
Media personalities? Again where are the names?
I think this whole thing is a PR ploy to watch the actions that any "suspected trafficker", that is probably being watched, takes before
the shit hits the fan if it ever does. If they try to leave the country or lobby for mercy or a pardon or inquire on their status, to self incriminate themselves.
I am dubious that we shall ever have closure in this matter that will be public for all to witness.
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 6 Jan 2009 2:09 PM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
When the shit hits the fan if it ever does.it will not be evenly distributed....Juango you are spending to much time on the grassy knoll
Written by: generoso, 6 Jan 2009 2:15 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
And remember one more thing. As a good self taught arab businessman does, there are no
free lunches any more. LF like all good DR politicians knows the value of : QUID PRO QUO.
I give you this ....and what do you have to trade in exchange?
Written by: JD_Dominguez, 6 Jan 2009 3:51 PM
From: United States, Reality Check
It is good to see justice being pursued. Many often ask; what is the role of the US in all of this? Well, without the US judicial system, there would never-ever be any justice if we could only rely on the RD Gov & its judicial system. Thus, the US and our representatives in our US Embassy along with US DEA have a very critical role.

It is great that the Paulino operation was busted but it was 6 years later after shipping five (+5) tons of cocaine to the US ANNUALLY! While the US is still dealing with the past, drugs are still being micro-trafficked through my Santiago barrio of Ensanche Caonabo (Los Platanitos). The US Embassy staff, US DEA are "CLUELESS" to what is happening now (not back in 2004). The US has no leadership in our Embassy in the capital and remain clueless on the current status even when I spell it out for them! RD Gov officials are still engaged with other affiliated drug rings in my barrio TODAY!

We need a stronger Ambassador to pressure the RD Gov!
Written by: generoso, 6 Jan 2009 4:03 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
JD_Dominguez
A new US ambassador is in the works as soon as the Obama administration takes over, since Mr. Fanning the present ambassador is a political appointee by the republicans and not a career diplomat.
But this process usually takes months and it won't be until late 2009 that we will have in DR a new US ambassador.
Some names have been rumored including Rep. Charles Rangel for the new post.
Ex-pats and American citizens living in DR who now number over 60,000 as I understand, do need more adequate representation than we have had in the last 6 years, as the previous ambassadors have been more preoccupied with lobbying for Puerto Rico and partying with dubious private interests and discredited "entrepreneurs".
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 6 Jan 2009 4:12 PM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
they asked JD if he would use electric torture to interrogate drug traffickers and he said " I only have three things to say about that and they are " I. black is positive 2. red is negative 3. make sure they,re nuts are wet "
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 6 Jan 2009 4:13 PM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Rangel would fit right in here he is as crooked as dogs hind leg
Written by: devin11, 6 Jan 2009 4:28 PM
From: United States
Professor G,

Where have you heard rumors that Congressman Rangel will be the next US ambassador to the D.R.? As chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee (the most powerful committee in congress) which he will maintain if as is expected the ethics panel investigation clears him, he is a congressional power broker. Why would he give up such a powerful position to serve as ambassador to the D.R. I'm just curious as to where the source of this rumor is coming from. And remember G, with his Puerto Rican heritage and strong congressional lobbying for the same you might want to send him back if he ever accepted the post. Thanks man.

Written by: generoso, 6 Jan 2009 6:12 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
I believe I heard that because Hillary Clinton owes him a favor she will try to influence his appointment as ambassador to Trinidad or DR.
I think I read it in newsday.com or another internet newspaper.
To answer your question of why would he be willing to give up his now powerful position you will have to ask him that.
I didn't know about his Puerto Rican heritage but that would not be an impediment from him doing a good job for the USA. The previous Puerto Rican resident ambassador (another PR lawyer) H.H. since the beginning did not care to disguise the use of his
post for lobbying for PR business interests ahead of US interests, been seen socializing and traveling with convicted PR felons, and jockeying during his tenure and after his removal in the company of a discredited Dominican business man being sued for fraud for millions by Italian investors in New York.
He received a letter of reprimand from the state department for some of these activities.
Written by: generoso, 6 Jan 2009 6:15 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
devin11
Anyway and no pun intended, it is not so bad here as US ambassador. A few previous ambassadors liked it so much they even bought vacation homes here and one ex ambassador bought investment property and lives here full time near Juan Dolio.
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 6 Jan 2009 6:21 PM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Charley has a pretty soiled reputation at this stage of his illustrious career....he of the Puerto Rican mother who no speeky spanish when it comes to the tax code...Appointing him would be an insult an just show that we are open for business here in the DR to every imaginable scam if you can come up with a donation to the Rangel building or whatever....NO WAY
Written by: josean, 6 Jan 2009 6:23 PM
From: United States
Speaking of scams, Now Lie-onel has increased our export of stolen goods!

Source DR1

Metal exports up!

The headline is correct and Dominican metal exports are up, according to the Dominican Republic Center for Exports and Investment (CEI-RD). During the first 10 months of 2008 the DR exported US$44.6 million in metal for a 40.3% growth rate. In 2007 the DR only exported US$31.8 million worth of metals. Metal exports make up 6.6% of non-traditional exports, which totaled US$1.07 million. Metal exports are also the fourth largest Dominican export after steel rods, sugar cane, rum and cement. What's most surprising about these figures is that the metal being exported here is not mined in the DR. While some is legitimate scrap metal, the increase in metal exports coincides with an increase in theft of manhole covers and other metal installations from public and private property across the country.
Written by: devin11, 6 Jan 2009 6:25 PM
From: United States
G,

I'm not questioning the plumb assignment of an Ambassadorship to the D.R., I wish I had such an opportunity. However, for a career politician like Charles Rangel who heads the most powerful committee chairmanship in all of the House, it would be as doubtful as I being assigned to the post. Still, if you can put in a good word for me, I will appreciate it greatly. Maybe the second PR lawyer would be the charm.
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 6 Jan 2009 6:25 PM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
I hope the previous ambassador that bought his investment property did not buy it the way Charlie bought his at Punta Cana...in other words a pseudo freebee
Written by: generoso, 6 Jan 2009 6:28 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
devin11
just curious but ....why are you so interested and surprised in who is named ambassador?
Is there another Puerto Rican in line for the job? That you know of?
And GC
I disagree what you said about Charley. As you said he will fit right in here and he will put up a big neon sign in the US embassy:
"Open for business 24/7 come right in, Walk ins welcomed. NO appointment needed."
We take visa, master card, American Express, Discovery, IOU's, and promissory notes.

He will be a great compliment for his PLD buddies. And a Domini-can instead of a Domini-can't
spokesperson.

Written by: devin11, 6 Jan 2009 6:30 PM
From: United States
GC,

Charlie is not a crook, he just didn't understand the tax code laws with regard to investment property that he himself wrote as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. You can't make this stuff up and so what if he paid off parking violations for his privately owned car with campaign contributions, that doesn't make him a bad guy.
Written by: devin11, 6 Jan 2009 6:37 PM
From: United States
G,

I have no purview of who the next Ambassador will be, I just know it won't be Charles Rangel. My only interest was because I was surprised by the rumor of the nominee being Mr. Rangel, that's all. I hope the next Ambassador will help to serve all the interests of the US and DR will the honor and respect of a great diplomat.
Written by: generoso, 6 Jan 2009 6:38 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
devin11
Charley is not a crook, he does bend the rules sometimes. He is just an "old time politician" that still thinks is 1960 and that he is not being watched closely.
He is a master of compromise and a real slime ball, which in politics is a good thing.
I think if the rumors are true he will be good ambassador for the DR, really. He will promote the island and encourage business to come here, so what if some grease "trickles down". No big deal.
"Those with no sins let them throw the first stone".

Written by: devin11, 6 Jan 2009 6:54 PM
From: United States
Mi distinguido professor,

One of Mr. Rangel's responsibilities in his committee chairmanship is the writing of tax code laws. He has claimed misunderstanding of the tax code laws that he himself wrote with regard to taxable income from his Dominican Republic property. He then illegally rented two subsidized apartments in NYC while claiming his home in Washington DC as his primary residence to again avoid paying taxes. I agree with your assessment of him being an "old time politician" but I think the DR would be better served by an "old time diplomat" instead.
Written by: generoso, 6 Jan 2009 7:03 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
devin11
I just hope that whoever gets named does a great job for the best interests of the USA and the Dominican Republic both.

And maybe offers me a small consultancy, I need the job. LOL.
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 6 Jan 2009 7:07 PM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
devin yes it is true what you say Charley was a charming rogue who time has come to go to the Boneyard.....What we need is a Cuban who reflects Obamas position ...which is more flexible than previous administrations...but you can forget about congress lifting the embargo for a while yet....Then again it will be some political hack as usual being repaid for large donations or grunt work in the trenches
Written by: devin11, 6 Jan 2009 7:31 PM
From: United States
GC,

If I may please ask, what is your view of the embargo? I believe it has been a form of collective punishment for the people of Cuba that never achieved it's purpose and is still only enforced because of South Florida political pressure, what say you?
Written by: devin11, 6 Jan 2009 7:33 PM
From: United States
G,

If that have any sense, they will give you that consultancy and then I will pack my bags and go work for you.
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 6 Jan 2009 7:52 PM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
devin ....yes it could have been handled better and it has served Castro more than anything else ...He would be long gone if the embargo had been lifted 30 years ago...but now a very close hand of poker must be played the old timers I doubt will be able to maintain order when fidel is dead and things are crying out for change and these fossils change nothing....youth will kill that revolution with a new one ...conditions have never been worse in the workers tropical paradise
Written by: josean, 6 Jan 2009 9:12 PM
From: United States
You guys are not going to believe this one. Not only does Lie-onel PARDON criminals now he sells their commodities for them!


http://www.listin.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=86817
Written by: generoso, 6 Jan 2009 9:31 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
Re: the Cuban embargo
The plan as I was informed consists of gradual lift of Cuban embargo sanctions tied
to certain actions by the Cuban government such as:
1. releasing all documented political prisoners (they are al least 6). Problem is that the Cuban government does not recognise them as political prisoners and there are plenty more in house arrest, being watched, and harassed.
2. Organizing a "plesbicite" to reaffirm the Cuban government's popularity and hold on power in a democratic way. Not free elections with opposition parties like Bush wanted but a free plesbicite similar to the one Pinochet orquestrated in Chile with two simple questions asking the voters if they would like a change in government or not.
Anyway whatever happens the embargo will be lifted by the end of 2009 by possible congressional actions and some of the other restrictions lifted by executive order shortly after Obama takes office. All I can say is, is about time!
Written by: Jander, 6 Jan 2009 10:28 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Don't expect much to change between the US and Cuba's relationship.

Until they renounce Communism Cuba will always be kept at arms length.

Here is Richard Nixon's "The Meaning Of Communism To Americans'
by Vice-President Richard Nixon
August 21, 1960

http://www.watergate.info/nixon/60-08-21_communism.shtml


This where Cuba is still stuck in the 60's


Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 6 Jan 2009 10:54 PM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
correct the dreamers that think Cuba will be welcomed back are just that dreamers.....josean you are dreaming....Lifting the restrictions on money and travel for Cuban Americans does not an embargo make...this will just make it worse on the fossilized regime its days are numbered ...If Obama gets credit for collapsing the current goons in power good for him....6 political prisoners in Cuba ? where does that figure come from....not the liberal Amnesty International or any other source in this Galaxy.....this is taken from Janders previous excellent post....."According to ancient wisdom this was because Stalin ruled without the check of constitutional forms and without effective popular participation in his government. In the words of Aristotle, written some 23 centuries ago, "This is why we do not permit a man to rule, but the principle of law, because a man rules in his own interest, and becomes a tyrant."
Written by: generoso, 7 Jan 2009 2:06 AM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
Total political prisoners documented by the University of Miami by exact date of arrest and full name
are 222 (two hundred and twenty two).
Sorry about the misinformation, the number 6 are well known dissidents that are incarcerated. Should have made it clearer.
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 7 Jan 2009 4:59 AM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
tks for clarification
Written by: gouletcolonial This user is banned, 7 Jan 2009 5:05 AM
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Castro begins other changes as clock ticks down to inaugural....Castro has approved the building of ones own home.... after 50 years can you imagine such enlightenment....now the people wont have to go to fancy tourist hotels to sleep
Written by: josean, 7 Jan 2009 8:00 AM
From: United States
Now Havana will look like Guachupita, Cuban Favelas! Havana: a Santo Domingo Chiquito!

The future look of Vedado:

http://www.dreamstime.com/dominican-slum-image4291094
Written by: generoso, 7 Jan 2009 10:49 AM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
To all the dreamers that fantasize in the concept of "liberty and justice for all" and idolize Fidel Castro's Cuban revolution look at what it has done economically to
enslave the Cuban people and make the whole island a huge concentration camp.
Yes they have accomplished many things in sports, public health and education, but at what cost in other liberties such at the freedom to choose a new government, the freedom to dissent and have given up the freedom to travel and migrate.
They have the most powerful military in the Americas after the USA, but their main purpose is repression and to maintain the dictatorship in power.
Their motto "libertad o muerte" has been the old and worn out slogan for their autocratic hold on power. Their out of sync with the 21 ST century bureaucratic government is seriously outdated and stumbling to barely keep up with the rest of the world and lives in the forgotten era of the 1960's.
Cuba needs fresh political blood after the embargo is removed.
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