According to El Español, the National Police detained Carlos Loriente, canon of the Toledo Cathedral and director of the San Ildefonso Theological Institute, in the early hours of Monday, September 22, in Torremolinos (Málaga). The priest was arrested for carrying several doses of “tusi” or pink cocaine, a synthetic substance made with MDMA and other components, while traveling in a rented vehicle accompanied by three men of Argentine and Venezuelan nationality.
At the time of his detention, Loriente identified himself to the agents as rector of the major seminary, a position he has never held.
The detention and the discovery of drugs
During a routine check, the agents found in his possession about a dozen small packets containing different narcotics in quantities exceeding what is considered for personal use. The subsequent search of the vacation apartment where the priest was staying revealed the existence of a precision scale, a single-dose bag, and other sexual items. The police investigation continues, and the detainee will be placed at the disposal of court number 5 of Torremolinos.
The statement from the Archdiocese of Toledo
After the facts became known, the Archdiocese of Toledo issued an official statement confirming the detention of a priest from the diocese, without mentioning his name, and denying that he is the rector of the Major Seminary, as some media had reported.
The archdiocese deeply regrets the events and “reproves any criminal conduct that the priest may have allegedly committed”. In addition, it has confirmed the opening of an internal investigation and the decision to temporarily remove the detainee from the exercise of his ministry and ecclesiastical office.
The statement emphasizes the archdiocese’s full confidence in the justice system and its willingness to collaborate with it. Likewise, it asks the People of God for prayers for the moral damages caused by this scandal and for the purification of the Church.