# Argentina fentanyl scandal investigations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-drug-enforcement-investigations
> Updated: 2026-08-04T18:55:00.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 Argentine authorities seized a Buenos Aires pet shop that was storing an unprecedented blend of nine synthetic psychoactive substances, triggering alerts to national early‑warning systems and the UNODC. The find highlighted the rise of complex drug mixtures and the challenges for law‑enforcement and health agencies.

The investigation expanded to the pharmaceutical supply chain. A federal judge, Ernesto Kreplak, ordered a raid on the Ministry of Health and the detention of former ANMAT head Nélida Agustina Bisio and former INAME director Gabriela Mantecón Fumado. The fentanyl batches produced by HLB Pharma Group and Laboratorios Ramallo were contaminated with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Ralstonia pickettii, linked to at least 114 deaths and more than 50 serious injuries across Argentina. The case originated in May 2025 after infections were detected at Hospital Italiano de La Plata. Judge Kreplak also mandated the Ministry to provide personnel entry‑exit records for 2023‑2025. Laboratory owner Ariel García Furfaro remains prosecuted as a co‑author of the adulteration crime, while the Ministry, led by Mario Lugones, continues to cooperate under judicial secrecy.

## Claims

- The contaminated fentanyl was produced by HLB Pharma Group and Laboratorios Ramallo. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- At least 114 deaths have been linked to the contaminated fentanyl. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- More than 50 patients suffered serious injuries from the contaminated fentanyl. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Ariel García Furfaro, owner of HLB Pharma Group and Laboratorios Ramallo, is being prosecuted as a co‑author of the fentanyl adulteration crime. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The Ministry of Health was ordered to provide documentation on personnel entries and exits for 2023‑2025. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- A raid was conducted on Argentina's Ministry of Health by order of federal judge Ernesto Kreplak. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Judge Ernesto Kreplak ordered the detention of Nélida Agustina Bisio and Gabriela Mantecón Fumado. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The investigation began in May 2025 after infections were detected at the Hospital Italiano de La Plata. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Nélida Agustina Bisio resigned from ANMAT in January 2026 and Gabriela Mantecón Fumado left INAME in August 2025. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Nélida Agustina Bisio and Gabriela Mantecón Fumado were detained. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Judge Ernesto Kreplak presides over Federal Court No. 3 in La Plata. (corroborated by 11 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: Argentina detains former drug regulators over contaminated fentanyl deaths

Judge Kreplak raids the Health Ministry, detains ex‑ANMAT and INAME heads over fentanyl made by HLB Pharma and Laboratorios Ramallo, linked to 114 deaths and >50 injuries in Argentina.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-raids-health-ministry-in-fentanyl-contamination-probe-114-deaths

### 2026-07-30: Buenos Aires pet shop raid uncovers nine‑drug synthetic mixture

A Buenos Aires raid on a Boedo pet shop uncovered a nine‑drug synthetic blend, leading to the suspect's detention, health alerts and notification to UNODC.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/buenos-aires-pet-shop-raid-uncovers-ninedrug-synthetic-mixture

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Cite as: Argentina fentanyl scandal investigations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-drug-enforcement-investigations