Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Priest held over cocaine stash

Reuters
Friday 30 July 2010 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Aymara priest who blessed the Bolivian President Evo Morales at his inauguration ceremony has been arrested in possession of 240kg of cocaine.

Police found a cocaine laboratory in the home of the priest, Valentin Mejillones. His son and a Colombian couple were also detained. The stash of liquid cocaine seized was valued at $240,000 (£153,000).

Mr Mejillones told local media he had been tricked by the Colombians, and the Vice President, Alvaro Garcia, said Mr Morales had not chosen the priest to preside at the swearing-in ceremony.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in