Argentine authorities have arrested the owner and officials of two pharmaceutical laboratories, including HLB Pharma, in connection with the production of contaminated fentanyl linked to more than 80 deaths. The detainees are being investigated for crimes that carry penalties of up to 25 years in prison. The Ministry of Health has been removed from the role of complainant in the case to allow investigation into its responsibility regarding regulatory controls under the Executive Branch. Concurrently, President Javier Milei has dismissed Diego Spagnuolo, the head of the National Disability Agency, following the release of audio recordings suggesting bribery schemes related to medications. The government is facing heightened political and economic tensions amid these scandals, with Milei criticizing the opposition and describing Congress as "seized." Additionally, leaked audios have implicated Milei's close circle, including Karina Milei and the Menem family, in alleged fund diversion schemes intended for disability services. The Milei administration is working to address these allegations by removing implicated officials and attempting to stabilize the political environment.
NEW - Argentine authorities arrested the owner and officials of two pharmaceutical laboratories on Wednesday over “possible quality deviations” in contaminated medicinal fentanyl linked to dozens of deaths. https://t.co/WeKpqAi0Z3
Ordenan detener al dueño del laboratorio ligado a fentanilo contaminado en Argentina https://t.co/zGYLpUkqnQ
Gobierno de Milei busca despejar denuncias y desplaza a un funcionario vinculado en audios polémicos https://t.co/O33zpW48qJ