Fentanyl case: Revealing chats implicate former Anmat chiefs and allude to Mario Lugones

Two former senior officials from Argentina's National Administration of Medicines, Foods, and Medical Technology (Anmat) are in custody, accused of involvement in a fentanyl contamination scheme that resulted in at least 90 fatalities. Nélida Agustina Bisio, the former head of Anmat, and Gabriela Mantecón Fumadó, ex-director of the Institute of Medicines, appeared before Judge Ernesto Kreplak and prosecutor Laura Roteta.

Bisio, a career official, led Anmat from President Javier Milei's assumption of office until January 5, 2026, well after the criminal investigation began. Mantecón Fumadó was removed from her position on August 21, 2025. During their interrogations, Mantecón Fumadó reportedly stated that Health Minister Mario Lugones was kept informed of decisions concerning the Ramallo laboratory and HLB, the companies involved in the contaminated fentanyl. She claimed Lugones had promoted the closure of the laboratory, according to sources familiar with the inquiry.

Prosecutors have charged Bisio and Mantecón Fumadó with a severe crime: poisoning or adulterating medicines, which carries a penalty of 10 to 25 years imprisonment when a death results. Evidence, including administrative files and seized chat logs, suggests the officials provided "state coverage" to laboratories that did not meet minimum safety standards, despite knowing the risks to patients. This case is considered the most significant health tragedy investigated in Argentina's judicial history.

An employee from García Furfaro reportedly described Bisio and Mantecón Fumadó as "very cooperative" during a meeting. Inspectors from Anmat had previously flagged dangers at the Ramallo production site. Before the contaminated fentanyl was distributed, officials received a report in late 2024 detailing risks identified during an inspection of the facility.