Argentina: At Least 87 dead from bacteria-contaminated fentanyl

Argentine authorities are investigating the deaths of at least 87 patients across multiple hospitals, allegedly after being administered fentanyl contaminated with dangerous bacteria, according to a complaint filed by the country’s National Administration of Drugs, Food, and Medical Technology (ANMAT).

The judicial probe began after ANMAT detected the bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Ralstonia pickettii in samples of medical-grade fentanyl – a powerful opioid widely used in anesthesia and pain management – that had been given to patients.

Nationwide investigation

The fatalities occurred in hospitals in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Formosa, and Córdoba, according to La Nación. Judge Ernesto Kreplak is leading the investigation, which is focusing on at least 24 individuals, including Ariel Furfaro García, owner of the pharmaceutical companies HLB Pharma and Laboratorios Ramallo. The companies are suspected of producing and distributing the contaminated fentanyl.

Authorities confirmed that five contaminated batches were distributed to eight hospitals and health centers across the country, heightening public health concerns.

Families demand justice

The tragedy has sparked outrage. Two weeks ago, relatives of the deceased gathered outside the Italian Hospital in La Plata, 60 kilometers south of Buenos Aires, demanding “justice for the victims of fentanyl.”

One grieving family member, Alejandro Ayala, told AFP that his brother, 32-year-old Leonel, died just days after receiving the drug: “The fentanyl killed him in a matter of days.”

Experts cited by La Nación warn that the true death toll could be even higher, as additional medical records are under review.