# Crime and narcotics enforcement in Neuquén

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/crime-and-narcotics-enforcement-in-neuqun
> Updated: 2026-09-10T10:36:23.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 2.

In the Neuquén region of Argentina, law enforcement activities have focused on both large-scale narcotics control and addressing local criminal incidents.

Following the implementation of Law 3488, which transferred jurisdiction over retail drug trafficking from federal to provincial authorities, officials conducted a major incineration of seized narcotics. This operation destroyed 12 kilograms of cocaine, 25 kilograms of marijuana, and 78 kilograms of cannabis plants, with an estimated commercial value of 2,000 million pesos. Since the law took effect in February 2025, provincial strategies have reportedly led to over 410 raids and the removal of approximately 4,000 million pesos worth of drugs from the market.

Building on this legal framework, authorities have begun transferring seized assets from micro-trafficking investigations directly to the provincial government. These assets include 17 vehicles—consisting of 12 cars, one truck, and four motorcycles—as well as 130 million pesos and 25,000 dollars in cash. These resources are intended to strengthen the Neuquén Police, fund crime prevention units, and support public rehabilitation programs. Governor Rolando Figueroa reported that since the law’s implementation, 183 people have been convicted, averaging “one conviction every three days.”

Parallel to these efforts, the region has experienced various criminal activities, including violent robberies in Plottier, a series of home burglaries in the La Península neighborhood, and a vehicle accident in the Río Grande neighborhood.

## Claims

- Accusing judges of acting for political reasons can constitute criminal behavior. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Public disqualification of judges should not be used as a tool to pressure the judiciary. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Transport Minister claimed some judges are politicking and attempting to govern the country from behind. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sexual offenses committed by minors increased by 35.8% in 2025 compared to 2024. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Supreme Court suspended the electoral registration linked to the 'law of grandchildren' (Ley de Nietos). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Attorney General supports a government bill that would allow prosecutors to direct criminal investigations. (single source)
- The number of human trafficking victims increased by 57.9% in 2025. (single source)
- Court delays are eroding the effectiveness of criminal responses in corruption and workplace accident cases. (single source)
- Gender violence cases among minors increased by 15.2% in 2025. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Spain judiciary faces political tension and rising crime rates

Spain's judicial year opens amid high tension as CGPJ President Isabel Perelló warns against political pressure on judges, while the Prosecutor General reports rising crimes among minors and human trafficking.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/neuqun-transfers-130-million-pesos-and-17-seized-vehicles-to-the-state

### 2026-08-20: Neuquén destroys 2,000 million pesos worth of seized drugs

Neuquén authorities destroyed 2,000 million pesos worth of cocaine and marijuana following the provincial takeover of retail drug trafficking investigations under new legislation.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/curic-security-inspectors-gain-new-powers-under-municipal-law

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Cite as: Crime and narcotics enforcement in Neuquén. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/crime-and-narcotics-enforcement-in-neuqun