Abinader authorizes extradition of Ethian Vásquez to Puerto Rico on drug trafficking and money laundering charges

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader signed decree 664-25 authorizing the extradition to Puerto Rico of Esteffani (Ethian) José Vásquez Amarante, who faces charges before the United States justice system for drug trafficking and money laundering.

Vásquez Amarante, ex-partner of congresswoman Jacqueline Fernández Brito, representative of La Romana for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), is accused of criminal association to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, with knowledge and reasonable cause that the substance would be illegally imported into US territory, in violation of several provisions of Title 21 of the United States Code.

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According to the record, he is also charged with complicity in the intentional distribution of drugs and with conspiracy to commit money laundering, in accordance with Titles 18 and 21 of the U.S. Code, including sections 1956 and 1956(h). The presidential decree, signed on November 26, establishes as a condition that the Dominican citizen will not be subject to the death penalty, if found guilty, and that they must be tried in accordance with due process. “Ethian” was arrested during the first week of November and on November 18th voluntarily accepted his extradition before the Supreme Court of Justice, in order to face the charges against him in Puerto Rico.

After the case became known, congresswoman Jacqueline Fernández reported on November 7th that she was separated from Vásquez Amarante and that she did not maintain any cohabitation with him. Through a statement on her social media, she assured that the situations involving her ex-partner are of strictly individual responsibility, expressing her respect for due process and the competent authorities.

For his part, the father of the accused, José María Vázquez Montero, judge of the Superior Land Tribunal of El Seibo, expressed confidence in the American justice system. “He has to prove the innocence he claims and, if found guilty, may the full weight of the law fall upon him,” he stated.