Fentanyl theft investigation launched at SAMCo de Esperanza

An investigation is underway following the theft of at least six fentanyl ampoules from the SAMCo de Esperanza medical center in Argentina. Authorities discovered that fentanyl labels had been placed over ampoules containing ranitidine, a medication used to treat stomach acid.

Health Minister Silvia Ciancio has signed a resolution to initiate an internal administrative inquiry to determine responsibility for the missing substances. The Ministry of Health has also filed a criminal complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office (MPA), describing the situation as one of “extreme gravity.”

While initial suspicions focused on a local physician, the professional maintains his innocence, stating he was the one who reported the missing medication and the label tampering to the hospital administration. Investigators are currently looking into multiple suspects and are working to determine if more than six ampoules were stolen.