Contaminated fentanyl: Two former officials detained yesterday declare in La Plata

Two former high-ranking officials from Argentina's National Administration of Medicines, Food, and Medical Technology (Anmat) are currently testifying in a federal court in La Plata. Nélida Agustina Bisio, who led Anmat until January of this year, and Gabriela Mantecón Fumadó, director of the National Institute of Medicines (Iname) until August last year, are being investigated for their alleged roles in a scandal involving contaminated fentanyl ampoules.

The investigation centers on approximately 100 deaths and serious health consequences associated with the use of these contaminated vials in healthcare facilities across the country. Prosecutors have requested the detention of both former officials, arguing that they were aware of the "high-risk scenario" created by the manufacturing conditions at HLB Pharma and Laboratorios Ramallo, the companies responsible for producing the fentanyl.

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The officials knew the high-risk scenario generated by the conditions in which both laboratories manufactured the drug and that deaths and injuries could occur.

Bisio, 71, began her testimony before Judge Ernesto Kreplak and federal prosecutor María Laura Roteta. Her defense lawyer, Gustavo Daguerre Báez Peña, indicated that she requested to interrupt the hearing due to fatigue and complete her statement in writing at a later date. Mantecón Fumadó's testimony followed Bisio's, with the hearing ongoing.

Prosecutors allege that the officials knew the risks associated with the drug's production by HLB Pharma and Laboratorios Ramallo, both owned by Ariel García Furfaro, who has also been detained. The case highlights serious concerns about regulatory oversight and the safety of pharmaceutical products within Argentina.

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She was overcome by fatigue.