Argentina fentanyl investigation: Former ANMAT head testifies

Nélida Agustina Bisio, the former head of Argentina's food and drug regulatory agency (ANMAT), has expanded her judicial testimony regarding an investigation into adulterated fentanyl that caused nearly 100 deaths nationwide.

During questioning by Federal Judge Ernesto Kreplak, Bisio denied responsibility for the lack of oversight regarding laboratories HLB Pharma and Ramallo S.A. She attributed responsibility to Gabriela Mantecón Fumadó, the former director of the National Institute of Medicines (INAME). Bisio also sought to distance Health Minister Mario Lugones from the scandal, stating that their communications involved his expressed intent to strengthen sanitary controls.

Forensic analysis confirmed that specific batches of the anesthetic were contaminated with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Ralstonia pickettii bacteria. While investigators noted that ANMAT and INAME failed to follow up on previously detected irregularities, both Bisio and Mantecón Fumadó were released from detention after paying a 75 million peso bail each. The investigation continues to determine state responsibilities for the mass casualties.