A Roman Catholic priest in Spain has been suspended by the Church after being accused of selling Viagra and aphrodisiacs.
A temporary suspension has been imposed by the Roman Catholic Church on a Spanish priest who has been accused of selling drugs, including Viagra, which is used for treating erectile dysfunction.
The religious leader of Don Benito, a municipality with approximately 35,000 inhabitants in the western region of Extremadura, was arrested on Monday for possible involvement in the distribution of illegal drugs. This information was reported on Thursday by the diocese of Plasencia, which oversees his parish.
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The diocese stated that the priest, who was arrested, was temporarily released by the investigating judge. They also expressed their sorrow and shock regarding the suffering and disgrace that resulted from the incident.
The digital news outlet El Español revealed the identity of the priest as Don Alfonso Raúl Masa Soto, also known as Don Alfonso.
According to the newspaper, Alfonso earned a degree in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical University. The article stated that he served as a parish priest in various towns in Salamanca and, upon being relocated to Don Benito, received a petition from residents of Salamanca who greatly admired him, urging for him to stay.
According to El Pais, the priest and another man were arrested for their involvement in the trafficking of Viagra and other potent aphrodisiac substances. The two were reported to be in a romantic relationship.
The two individuals, who had been monitored by the police for a few months, utilized a house leased by the clergyman to store the items, as reported by El Español. The news reportedly caused “shock” among the parishioners.
According to El Mundo, the attorney representing the priest stated that there is no incriminating evidence against his client and that he was unaware of any wrongdoing.
Alfonso’s arrest comes just days after a pastor in Connecticut
The individual was taken into custody on five counts, including possession of methamphetamine and possession with the intention to distribute illegal drugs.
Source: cbsnews.com