Spanish Priest Arrested for Illegal Sale of Viagra and Aphrodisiacs — March 2024
A shocking case from Don Benito hit the headlines in March 2024: a local priest and his partner were caught selling Viagra and other aphrodisiacs without legal authorization. Authorities found the substances during a raid. The priest was released on charges and must appear in court twice a month, while his partner was held in jail without bail. This story matters beyond the scandal — it highlights real health and legal risks tied to unregulated medications.
What happened in Don Benito
Police searched the San Sebastián parish and found prescription erectile dysfunction drugs and unlabelled aphrodisiac products. Selling prescription meds without a license is illegal in Spain, and trafficking can carry heavy penalties. The priest faces legal monitoring, and his partner is in custody pending further proceedings. For locals, the case raised questions: where did the drugs come from and who else might be affected?
How this affects your health and how to stay safe
Buying Viagra or similar drugs outside a pharmacy is risky. Unregulated pills may have the wrong dose, hidden ingredients, or harmful contaminants. They can dangerously interact with medicines like nitrates (used for chest pain) and cause severe drops in blood pressure. If you or someone you know bought medication from informal sellers, stop using it and see a doctor if you feel unwell.
Here are practical steps to protect yourself:
- Always get erectile dysfunction drugs with a valid prescription. A doctor will check for health issues and drug interactions.
- Buy medicines from licensed pharmacies only. In Spain, the Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS) lists approved products and safety alerts.
- Inspect packaging and leaflets. Look for batch numbers, expiration dates, and proper seals. If something looks off, don’t take the drug.
- If you experience side effects like dizziness, fainting, sudden vision loss, or severe chest pain after taking a pill, seek emergency care and bring the product package.
- Report illegal sellers to local police or to national medicine regulators. Reporting helps authorities track and remove dangerous products from the market.
This case also shows the legal side: people involved in selling prescription drugs without authorization can face criminal charges, pre-trial detention, fines, and mandatory court appearances. That’s true whether the seller is a professional or a trusted local figure.
If you have questions about a medication you bought or were offered, talk to a pharmacist or your doctor. They can confirm whether the product is legitimate and advise what to do next. Knowing where your meds come from keeps you safer than buying based on price or convenience.