MADRID – A priest in Spain has been arrested for allegedly running a Viagra trafficking operation from his home.
The unnamed clergyman was detained alongside another man on suspicion of selling the medication, as well as “other powerful aphrodisiac substances”, according to El Pais.
He was arrested in Spain’s western Extremadura region and has appeared in court charged with a criminal offence.
The priest’s lawyer told local media the allegations were unfounded.
According to Spanish news outlets, his arrest in the town of Don Benito followed a months-long investigation into the alleged sale of controlled substances by the priest and a second man.
El Pais claimed the second man that was detained was the priest’s romantic partner, and they sold substances to customers from their shared home.
The property was placed under police surveillance and raided by the Civil Guard on Monday, the paper reports.
The priest’s lawyer said “there is no evidence that incriminates” his client and “he had no knowledge of anything”, according to El Mundo.
Viagra is available from pharmacies under Spanish law. It is unclear what other substances were allegedly sold by the two men.
In a statement, the Diocese of Plasencia – which the priest’s church belongs to – said it was “waiting for the facts to be clarified” and for the investigation to continue.
It said the church “certainly regret(s) the events described by the pain, suffering and scandal that they entail”. (BBC)
