Laboratorios Ramallo director remains detained in fentanyl contamination case

The Federal Chamber of Criminal Cassation has upheld the detention of Carolina Ansaldi, the technical director of Laboratorios Ramallo S.A., following the rejection of an extraordinary appeal for her release.

The investigation stems from a report by the Hospital Italiano de La Plata regarding a cluster of severe respiratory infections among intensive care patients. Subsequent testing identified traces of fentanyl in ampoules supplied to those patients, along with bacteria linked to products manufactured by Laboratorios Ramallo S.A.

Ansaldi is currently facing charges as a co-author of the adulteration of medicinal substances that resulted in at least 70 deaths. The legal proceedings also involve charges of extremely serious injuries to two patients, serious injuries to 41 others, and minor injuries to one person. She remains in preventive detention under house arrest.