As the media continues to focus on the National Police and their misappropriation of retrieved stolen vehicles, the Listin Diario reports today on a fleet of luxury vehicles that has mysteriously vanished from official custody. At least 30 vehicles that were once the property of deceased engineer and former Navy second lieutenant Gustavo Isidro Zayas Garcia have been reported missing. Among the impressive list of autos are a Jaguar xj8 and two Mercedes Benzes, as well as two Harley Davidson motorcycles and various other cars.<\/p>\n
National Police Chief Major General Manuel de Jesus Perez Sanchez confirmed these reports last night and informed that a commission had been set up to investigate the vehicles’ whereabouts. Zayas Garcia was killed on 25 October 2003, when unknown assailants entered his Gala, Santo Domingo residence and murdered him. At the time, it was widely rumoured that the case was related to drug dealings and bachata artist Joselito.com, who is now under arrest in Puerto Rico for narcotics trafficking. The investigation of Zayas Garcia’s murder was not conclusive, nor was it forwarded to the DNCD (drug control department of the police), as is the protocol.<\/p>\n
Before the case was abandoned, however, police announced that Zayas Garcia’s prized automobile collection had been seized and sent to the Canodromo El Coco, the place where all vehicles classified as evidence in a crime are held. Listin reporters went to the site this week, however, and discovered that the vehicles were in fact not on the premises.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the return of vehicles appropriated illicitly by police officials continued yesterday, in compliance with the ultimatum issued by Major General Perez Sanchez.<\/p>\n
Police representatives informed that 94 vehicles had been returned to date. No punishments or charges will be brought against the offending officers, as the police chief conceded that such behaviour was “part of the culture.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As the media continues to focus on the National Police and their misappropriation of retrieved stolen vehicles, the Listin Diario reports today on a fleet of luxury vehicles that has mysteriously vanished from official custody. At least 30 vehicles that were once the property of deceased engineer and former Navy second lieutenant Gustavo Isidro Zayas … <\/p>\n