Ex-ANMAT chief seeks to expand statement in fentanyl case

The federal judge Ernesto Kreplak postponed a decision on the fate of former ANMAT officials in the contaminated fentanyl case after Nélida Agustina Bisio, who led the agency until January, requested to expand her statement. The case investigates the deaths of at least 90 people and harm to 44 others linked to fentanyl produced by Laboratorios Ramallo for HLB Pharma Source: Clarín.

The request

Bisio's request, filed hours before the deadline for the judge to rule on her status and that of Gabriela Mantecón Fumadó, led Kreplak to schedule a hearing for Monday Source: Infobae. Bisio had previously refused to answer questions, submitting a written statement instead, while Mantecón Fumadó answered for four to five hours, repeatedly saying "I don't remember" Source: Clarín, Infobae.

The accusations

Prosecutors allege that Bisio and Mantecón Fumadó, as top officials of ANMAT and INAME, engaged in actions and omissions that provided "state cover" to the laboratories, allowing them to continue production until the contaminated fentanyl was made Source: Infobae. A key focus is a January 14, 2025 meeting at ANMAT with HLB and Ramallo executives, requested by the companies, to discuss warning letters about irregularities Source: Infobae.

What's next

Both women were detained on August 3 and released after posting bail—Clarín reports $150 million, Infobae says $75 million—and face restrictions including a travel ban Source: Clarín, Infobae. The judge's decision on their status is now pending the new hearing.