Argentine Drug Dealer Requests to Stay in Prison, Citing Unreadiness for Society

In an unusual turn of events within Córdoba's judicial system, Augusto Manuel Pacicco, a 39-year-old medical technician convicted of drug dealing, has formally asked the court to keep him incarcerated rather than grant him conditional release. Pacicco expressed that he does not feel ready to reintegrate into society.

“

I don't feel fit to reintegrate into society.

Pacicco was on trial for acting as an intermediary in cocaine sales in Embalse, Córdoba. Federal investigations revealed he connected buyers and sellers, receiving small doses of drugs for personal consumption due to a severe addiction. Despite his defense lawyer's request for a suspended sentence, Pacicco insisted on serving his time effectively.

He explained to the court that he needs to continue his psychological and psychiatric treatment within the prison. Pacicco argued that if released now, he would struggle to meet the conditions of parole, such as monthly check-ins, which could lead to a new arrest warrant. He stated his desire to "finish the sentence time to be able to leave clean."

“

Leaving without owing a single day seems appropriate to me.

Judges Facundo Zapiola, Cristina Giordano, and José Camilo Quiroga Uriburu agreed to his petition, sentencing him to two years of effective prison time. Pacicco's life has been significantly impacted by drug use, which began at age 19 after the loss of his parents and brother. This led to him losing his job and ending up homeless before his arrest in April 2025.

“

finish the sentence time to be able to leave clean.